Wear behavior of anti-galling surface textured gray cast iron using pulsed-CO2 laser treatment

In the present study the surface modification of BS300 gray cast iron, using high power pulsed-CO2 laser irradiation, is adopted in order to establish an anti-galling surface texture and, therefore, to improve wear and friction behavior. The process optimization and the resultant microstructural and microhardness changes are also reported and discussed. Subsequent wear testing of large-scale surface treated materials, using the pin-on-disk configuration, indicate weak scuffing susceptibility and slightly lower friction coefficients as compared to the flame-hardened materials, currently used in industry. The results of the present study may be of interest to the automotive and sheet-metal forming industry, due to the extensive use of this iron as a component during the deep-drawing process.