Microstructure and wear resistance of Fe-based and Co-based coating of AISI H13

Fe-based and Co-based cladding layers were prepared on the surface of AISI H13 hot die steel by laser cladding technology. The microstructure, hardness and abrasion resistance of the two cladding layers were studied by means of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, rockwell hardness tester, and high temperature friction and wear tester. Also, the red hardness of the cladding layers was measured, after holding the layers at 600 °C for 1 hour by muffle furnace and repeated 4 times. The rockwell hardness values of the substrate, the Fe-based and the Co-based alloy coating measured were HRC 47, HRC 52 and HRC 48, respectively. The red hardness values of the substrate and the Fe-based cladding layer were decreased, while that of the Co-based cladding layer was increased. The Co-based cladding layer has the minimal wear loss weight and friction coefficient among them. The wear mechanisms of the substrate, the Fe-based layer and the Co-based layer attribute mainly to abrasive wear, adhesion wear, and both of them, respectively.