Performance properties of electro-spark deposited carbide-ceramic coatings modified by laser beam

The work presented in this paper determines the influence of the laser treatment process on the properties of electrospark coatings. The properties after laser treatment were examined by microstructure analysis, microhardness, roughness and adhesion tests. The studies were conducted using WC–Co–Al2O3 electrodes produced by sintering nanostructural powders. The anti-wear coatings were first deposited by an EIL-8A apparatus on C45 carbon steel and then laser melted within various process parameters. In this case Nd:YAG laser (BLS 720 model) was applied. The electro-spark deposited coatings are very promising to improve abrasive wear resistance of tools and machine parts, which was indicated by tribological tests.