SEDL / STP / STP1339-EB / STP38293S

Improving Tribological Performance of Mechanical Components by Laser Surface Texturing

Etsion, I
Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Technion, Haifa,

Halperin, G
Surface Technologies Ltd., Nesher,

Ryk, G
Surface Technologies Ltd., Nesher,

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 2001

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Abstract

Significant improvement in load capacity, wear resistance, friction coefficient etc. of mechanical components can be obtained by forming regular micro-surface structure in the form of micro-pores on their surfaces. A feasibility study was performed experimentally using Laser Surface Texturing (LST) technique to produce the micro-pores that can serve either as micro-bearings in cases of full lubrication or as micro-reservoirs for lubricant in cases of starved lubrication conditions. In all cases friction is reduced, wear resistance is increased and life is prolonged.