TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS OF ESD COATINGS BEFORE AND AFTER LASER PROCESSING

Protective coatings for machine parts can be economically viable if the wear is localized or if the coating material has different properties than the substrate. Technological surface layers (TSLs) are applied to objects before use, while functional surface layers (FSLs) are applied during maintenance. Laser surface modification is a field of study that involves numerous research centers worldwide. By controlling laser parameters such as power, scanning speed, and pulse duration, it is possible to create coatings with various surface properties, such as surface geometry, microhardness, stress states, or resistance to wear. One of the most common and affordable techniques for surface modification is electro-spark alloying (ESA) or electro-spark deposition (ESD), which involves using a focused stream of energy similar to laser treatment. However, electro-spark deposited coatings may have drawbacks that limit their application. To address this, the coatings can be further treated with a laser, which effectively eliminates surface defects such as scratches, delamination, and microcracks. Additionally, the laser treatment seals the coating, improving its overall performance. ESA coatings have multiple applications, including protecting new elements and restoring the properties of worn elements. ESD is a proven technique for regenerating aircraft engine and hydraulic components in specialized vehicles. The production of ESD protective coatings has also found extensive use in the automotive industry. Significant research has been conducted to assess the effect of various ESD parameters on the properties of coatings. This paper aims to determine the properties of electro-spark coatings by analyzing their microstructure, measuring their microhardness, friction force, and corrosion resistance. To carry out these tests, a Cu-Mo coating (the anode) was electro-spark deposited onto carbon steel C45 (the cathode). The resulting coatings are intended for use in increasing wear and corrosion resistance.