Laser clads for application as bearing materials: Microstructure and tribologicalproperties

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Objective of the presented work is the characterisation of laser generated bearing type layers on aluminium and steel substrates. In one series the material of the layers were aluminium based alloy compositions containing tin as self lubricant and further elements to increase the load bearing capacity. In a second series the layer material was based on copper-bismuth alloys. The layers were produced by direct laser cladding of different aluminium cast and wrought alloys, mild steel and stainless steel. Clad quality, composition, microstructure and phase distribution were examined by metallographic investigations, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Out of the results layers with optimised microstructure were chosen for further tribological tests. On these specimens pin-on-disc wear tests were performed. The results showed some of the laser clads to have a superior behaviour under conditions occurring in real plain bearings.Objective of the presented work is the characterisation of laser generated bearing type layers on aluminium and steel substrates. In one series the material of the layers were aluminium based alloy compositions containing tin as self lubricant and further elements to increase the load bearing capacity. In a second series the layer material was based on copper-bismuth alloys. The layers were produced by direct laser cladding of different aluminium cast and wrought alloys, mild steel and stainless steel. Clad quality, composition, microstructure and phase distribution were examined by metallographic investigations, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Out of the results layers with optimised microstructure were chosen for further tribological tests. On these specimens pin-on-disc wear tests were performed. The results showed some of the laser clads to have a superior behaviour under conditions occurring in real plain bearings.