Author(s)

J. Mateos, J.M. Cuetos, E. Fernandez & M. Cadenas

Abstract

A CO2 laser operating in continuous mode has been employed to refuse tungsten carbide coatings plasma sprayed onto a substrate of steel in order to reduce their porosity. Wear tests block-on-ring type and hardness estimations have been carried out for both treated and untreated coatings. The results show an increase in the wear resistance and hardness of the coatings after laser treatment. 1 . Introduction Ceramic coatings are thoroughly used because of their characteristics of elevating hardness, high melting point and resistance to chemical attacks. The plasma spray technique is very suitable for these materials due to the elevated temperature of the plasma and their inert nature, which avoid the formation of oxides. It also exists little risk o

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