Laser coatings to improve wear resistance of mould steel

After the treatment, the clad surfaces were characterised by means of optic and scanning electron microscopy. The layers showed a uniform composition across the track, similar to the initial powder composition, without damage or cracks. The mechanical properties were evaluated by hardness measurements and wear tests (ball-on-disk) at room temperature and without lubrication, in accordance with the ASTM G99-95a standard. The tribological couple was comprised by an alumina ball sliding against the clad layers. The wear rate varied with the different ball and disk combinations, and a considerable improvement in wear resistance was observed with the AISI M2 laser coatings compared with the substrate.