Thermal laser oxidation based texturing as finishing treatment for improving surface properties of UNS R56400

Thermal treatments are commonly applied for modifying surfaces in order to improve their functional behavior through obtaining specific microstructures introducing external elements into alloys or developing coatings, which provide improvements in the surface integrity of the treated samples. Thermal laser treatments allow controlling features and thickness, without affecting the rest of material. In this contribution, the effect of scan speed on changes in the surface integrity of UNS R56400 (Ti6Al4V) laser oxidized samples has been evaluated from the variations of material hardness supplied by the oxide layer. The possibility of microcracks development, mainly derived from the oxides compactness has been taken into account. Taking as reference the tribological behavior of the modified alloy, the objective is to determine the relationship between laser texturing conditions and the improvement of mechanical strength under friction and slip situations.