Laser Implantation of Niobium and Titanium-Based Particles on Hot Working Tool Surfaces for Improving the Tribological Performance within Hot Stamping

Abstract

Within the scope of this work, a new approach named laser implantation process has been investigated, in order to improve the tribological performance of hot stamping tools. This surface engineering technology enables the generation of dome-shaped, elevated and highly wear resistant microfeatures on tool surfaces in consequence of a localized dispersing of hard ceramic particles via pulsed laser radiation. As a result, the topography and material properties of the tool and thus the tribological interactions at the blank-die interface are locally influenced. However, a suitable selection of hard ceramic particles is imperative for generating defect-free surface features with a high share of homogenously disturbed particles. For this purpose, different niobium (NbB2 and NbC) as well as titanium-based (TiB2 and TiC) materials were embedded on hot working tool specimens and subsequently analyzed with regard to their resulting shape and mechanical properties. Afterwards, modified pin-on-disk tests were carried out by using conventional and laser-implanted tool surfaces, in order to evaluate the wear and friction behavior of both tooling systems.