Texturing of WC-Co substrate surface to improve the resistance of deposited PVD film to wear and dynamic loads

Use of laser technology for surface preparation of cemented carbide prior to PVD deposition was studied experimentally. Four series of specimens were made, three of which had surfaces prepared by laser and one series had ground surfaces. Some specimens were intended for deposition. Tribological properties and dynamic load-bearing capacity of the substrate under impact load were evaluated. Additional examinations included metallographic observation in a scanning electron microscope, and measurement of residual stresses using X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that adhesion of a PVD film can be improved when a suitable texture is produced on the substrate surface, referred to as the ripple effect. [7] By this means, the effects of residual stresses can be suppressed. In addition, wear resistance can be improved in the substrate beneath the film when subjected to dynamic impact load. This improvement amounts to tens of percent, when compared to specimens coated without laser surface preparation.