Editors: Jeyaprakash Natarajan, Che-Hua Yang

Laser Surface Treatments for Tribological Applications

eBook: US $69 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $126
Printed Copy: US $91
Library License: US $276
ISBN: 978-981-5036-31-2 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5036-30-5 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2021
DOI: 10.2174/97898150363051210101
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Introduction

This reference presents comprehensive information about laser surface treatments for tribological applications. Chapters of the book highlight the importance of laser technology in modifying materials to optimize the effects of friction and lubrication, by explaining a range of surface modification methods used in industries. These methods include hardening, melting, alloying, cladding and texturing. The knowledge in the book is intended to give an in-depth understanding about the role of laser technology in tribology and the manufacture of industrial materials and surfaces for special applications.

Key Features:

  • - 10 chapters on topics relevant to tribology and industrial applications of laser material processing
  • - Comprehensively covers laser surface modification of metals and alloys
  • - Explains a wide range of surface modification methods (hardening, melting, alloying, cladding and texturing)
  • - Covers material and tribological characterization of surfaces
  • - Presents information in a simple structured layout for easy reading, with introductory notes for learners
  • - Provides references for further reading

This book is an ideal reference for students and learners in courses related to engineering, manufacturing and materials science. Researchers, industrial professionals and general readers interested in laser assisted machining processes and surface modification techniques will also find the book to be an informative reference on the subject.

Preface

Metals for industrial applications require several properties, such as ductility, malleability, hardness, strength, corrosion resistance, thermal expansion, availability, reusability, etc. When it comes to tribological application, hardness, strength, and surface properties are the primary necessities. However, achieving all the properties in a single metal is not easy. The product developers have to pick the appropriate metal as per the application requirements by understanding the wide variety of metals and their functional properties. The metallic components are assembled to deliver the relative motion, however, the friction will be generated due to the interaction between the metallic surfaces, and this interaction will lead to ‘wear’ of the metallic components. Wear in mechanical components reduces the plant efficiency because of power losses, and in rare cases, it is catastrophic. Wear is a vital cause of malfunctioning a mechanical system, and it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed in tribological applications.

Lasers are used in many industries, and their applications in various fields are only growing with time. The laser-assisted machinery highlights how lasers have helped us to be at the forefront of technology, making rapid changes possible, including the improvement of tribological properties which is a battle that many scientists throughout the world are battling to limit the wear losses from friction between moving parts. The use of lasers has become a significant source and splendid tool for various surface modification methods, such as hardening, melting, alloying, cladding and texturing, etc. Laser surface treatments offer extensive promises to accomplish preferred surface and tribological properties.

These surface properties have been studied with a wide range of characterization methods, such as the chemical composition of the surface being analyzed with the energy dispersive, Auger electron, glow discharge, optical spectroscopy and X-ray spectroscopy. The microstructure and morphology of the surface are studied by using light optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The tribological characterization includes the evaluation of surface roughness, friction, and wear aspects of the surfaces from macro to nano scale. The surface profile can be assessed by using contact and non-contact type surface profilometers.

The challenges in laser surface treatments and tribological issues are both difficult and interesting. People are working with enthusiasm, tenacity, and dedication to develop new techniques/methods of analysis and provide excellent solutions. In this new age of global interconnectivity and interdependence, it is necessary to provide the latest details for both professionals and students, with state-of-the-art knowledge on the frontiers in laser surface treatments for tribological applications. This book is a good step in that direction.



Jeyaprakash Natarajan and Che-Hua Yang
Additive Manufacturing Center for Mass Customization Production
Graduate Institute of Manufacturing Technology
National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei-10608
Taiwan