Laser-Fabricated Micro-Dimples for Improving Frictional Property of SKH51 Tool Steel Surfaces

Journal article

Authors/Editors

Author list: Chansovannkumpheak Phun, Witthaya Daodon, Kamthon Septham, Peerapong Kumkhuntod, Hao Zhu, and Viboon Saetang

Publisher: MDPI

Publication year: 2023

Volume number: 11

Issue number: 11

Start page: 456

ISSN: 20754442

eISSN: 2075-4442

Languages: English-United States (EN-US)

Friction involved in metal-forming processes typically leads to the wear of tool and die

surfaces, and in turn shortens the tool’s service life. A thriving need for reducing surface friction

requires the tool surface to be modified. This paper presents the surface modification of SKH51

tool steel, on which the hexagonal array of micro-dimples is fabricated by a nanosecond pulse laser.

Using the average laser power of 25 W can create decent dimples for trapping lubricant and enabling

hydraulic pressure at the surfaces in contact. The effect of dimple density and sliding speed on the

coefficient of friction was examined in this study through the pin-on-disc test, in which a stainless steel

pin was applied against the tool steel disc with a constant load. The laser-textured tool steel surface

with a dimple density of 35% had a friction coefficient of 0.087, which was lower than that of the

untextured surface by 12.6% when using a sliding speed of 15 cm/s. In addition to friction reduction,

there was no substantial wear found on the laser-textured surface compared to the untextured sample.

The findings of this study can be a processing guideline and benefit the treatment of tool and die

surfaces for friction and wear reduction in metal-forming and related processes.

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