Fabrication Of Micro-Scale Laser Textured Surfaces On WC-Co Green Compacts

Abstract

Laser surface texturing has a high potential for the development of innovative solutions for the cutting tool industry, by allowing the fabrication of high-precision micro-scale geometries. In this study, different cross-hatched micro patterns were explored, by using an Nd:YAG laser to texture WC-10wt% Co green compacts. After dewaxing and sintering, a complete characterization was performed to evaluate topography, roughness, and dimensions of the fabricated textures. This study allowed to conclude on the better scanning strategy and laser parameters for obtaining a given texture geometry with defined dimensions on a reproducible manner. Besides allowing to modify a selected surface area, targeting to higher wettability or increased contact area, this approach has shown not to compromise the integrity and mechanical strength of the compact, allowing to preserve the tool conventional functionality.