Influence of heat affected zone on tribological properties of CuSn6 bronze laser dimple textured surface

Dimple texturing on CuSn6 tin bronze specimen surfaces were fabricated with laser surface texturing (LST) and drilled surface texturing (DST) methods, respectively. Friction coefficients and wear of textured and non-textured specimens were measured and compared. Experimental results show that more severe wear of laser textured specimens is observed than that of non-textured specimens. Shrinkages, porosities, cracks and inverse segregation in the heat affected zone will result in material softening of laser dimple edges. Material softening can cause the destruction of oxide film easily, and shorten the duration of mild wear regime of LST specimens. However, the work hardening of drilled dimple edges on bronze surface can increase the duration of mild wear regime and improve wear resistance of DST specimens.