Wear characteristics of WC–6Co coating deposited using pulsed electrode surfacing technique

An assessment of the wear performance of coatings produced by pulsed electrode surfacing was carried out. The PES technique is based on the transfer of coating material from an electrode to a substrate by means of an electric arc. A major advantage of this process is that a true metallurgical bond to the substrate results during coating application, in contrast with other coating techniques such as plasma spray, sputtering, etc. Initial experimental wear resistant coatings of WC–6Co have been applied to several steel substrates. Substrate steel pins were 1045, M2, 304SS, and 9840 (or 4140). Substrate bars were M2 and 9840 (or 4140). Wear tests were carried out using a pin on rotating bar system. After the tests, the surfaces were observed with an analytical SEM. Specimen cross- sections were characterised using SEM and microhard ness measurements. All coatings formed strong, adher ent metallurgical bonds to their substrates. Wear test results showed superior performance of all coatings to uncoated and to TiN coated substrates in the high stress, unlubricated environment of the pin on rotating bar test.