Tailoring metallic surface properties induced by laser surface processing for industrial applications

摘要

As a simple, reproducible, and pollution-free technique with the potential of integration and automation, laser processing has attracted increasing attention. Laser processing, which includes laser polishing, laser cleaning, and fabrication of laser-induced micro-ano-structures, has been demonstrated to yield smooth, clean, functional surfaces and effective joining. Laser polishing is an advanced, highly efficient, and ecofriendly polishing technology. This study demonstrated the laser polishing of a selective laser-melted Inconel 718 (IN718) superalloy and a titaniumalloy sample. The surface roughnesses Ra and Rz of the IN718 superalloy were respectively reduced from 8 and 33 μm to 0.2 and 0.8 μm, and the Ra of the titanium alloy was reduced from 9.8 μm to 0.2 μm.Moreover, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the IN718 were apparently improved. As another surface-related processingmethod, laser cleaningwas used to clean terminal blocks. Almost all the contaminants were removed, as verified by the absence of their chemical compositions and the decreased surface roughness. In addition, a superhydrophobic surface with a contact angle of over 160° and sliding angle of b8° on stainless steel was obtained by laser texturing treatment. These results demonstrate the high potential of laser processing in the scientific, technological, and industrial fields.