Laser dimple texturing – applications, process, challenges, and recent developments: a review

ABSTRACT

Laser dimple texturing has been a surge in the surface to surface contact applications like the cutting tool/workpiece interaction, piston-cylinder assembly, bearings, prosthetic hip & knee joints, blanking punch- die assembly, etc. to control the friction and wear between the interactions. In this article, the first part presented about a broad literature review on an effect of dimple texture in various industrial applications like bio-implant components and cutting tools.  In the second part, detailed information has discussed on a process of laser dimple texturing and influence of laser process parameters such as laser wavelength, laser energy, number of pulses, pulse duration and focal distance on dimple geometry. The third part describes a comprehensive literature review on challenges/limitations of laser dimple texturing process like heat affected zone, tensile residual stresses, bulges around the dimple, etc. Finally, in the fourth part, proper attention has given on recent developments like laser shock peen texturing, laser texturing under water and post-processing techniques to overcome the limitations of laser surface texturing process.

KEYWORDS:

• Laser dimple texture
• Friction
• Wear
• Cutting tool
• Hip & knee joints
• Heat affected zone
• Laser peen texturing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. Nagendra Prasad

Mr. K. Nagendra Prasad did his Master’s degree in Materials Science at National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. He is currently pursuing Ph.D.  at National Institute of Technology Warangal, India in the field of Laser surface treatments on HSS cutting tool.

Ismail Syed

Ismail Syed did his Master’s degree in Mechanical Systems Design and Ph.D. in the field of Tribology at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India. He is currently working as an assistant professor at National Institute of Technology Warangal, India. He has a total teaching experience of  6.5 years. He published around 38 research publications in reputed international and national Sci/Scopus journals and conferences. His research areas include Tribology, Surface Texturing, Lubrication, Surface Coatings.

S. Kanmani Subbu

Dr. S. Kanmani Subbu is working as Assistant Professor in Discipline of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad (IIT Palakkad), India. Prior to joining IIT Palakkad, he was Assistant Professor at National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India. He received his Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Madras University with Distinction, Master’s degrees in manufacturing engineering from Anna University with University first rank. He has done Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur in India. His research areas are micro manufacturing, laser surface treatment, additive manufacturing and composite fabrication and machining. He has published several international journals and conference papers in the above said area. He is a reviewer of renowned International Journals.