Abstract

The main objective of the present work was to determine the influence of laser beam processing (LBP) on microstructure, microhardness, surface geometric structure, adhesion tests and tribological properties of coatings deposited on C45 carbon steel by the electro-spark deposition (ESD) process. The coatings were deposited by means of an EIL-8A. The laser processing was performed with an Nd:YAG, BLS 720 system. The studies were conducted using WC-Cu electrodes produced by the powder metallurgy route. The tests show the lasertreated electro-spark deposited WC-Cu coatings are characterized by higher adhesion and seizure resistance which come at the expense of lower microhardness. In addition, WC-Cu coatings after laser treatment had lower values of parameters of the surface geometric structure. The laser treatment process causes the homogenization of the chemical composition, structure refinement and healing of microcracks and pores of the electro-spark deposited coatings. Laser treated ESD coatings can be applied in sliding friction pairs and as protective coatings.