Some tools for machining processes used to be guided by supporting parts while using them for cutting or abrasive machining. For instance, the guide stone is used as supporting part in the honing process, which maintains the concentricity of the rotating axis. The contact surfaces of the supporting parts should exhibit the following properties: adequate combination of hardness, toughness and wear resistance. The damage of contact surfaces can be caused by a combination of friction and adhesion, related to the weakness of surface conditions in the tribological system, e.g. asperities, debris and pores. In order to investigate the impact of the surface topography, contact surfaces of the supporting parts made of cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) have been treated by means of laser surface patterning (LSP). Two different surface patterns with deterministic geometries on the micro and nano scale are achieved by two distinct LSP methods: line-like patterns by Laser-Interference Metallurgy (LIMET) with ns-laser and dimples by ps-laser. Tangential force coefficients, similar to the coefficient of friction (COF) in the non-abrasive case, are measured to evaluate the impact of the surface patterns. In this paper, the LSP methods as well as the analysis of the resulting surface topography are introduced. It is found that higher friction is obtained by line-like patterns whereas dimples can efficiently reduce the friction. At low load, hydrodynamic effects are reinforced as the dimples work as lubricant reservoirs and trap wear particles, and the observation becomes less obvious at high load. Meanwhile, only slight friction augmentation is observed by line-like patterns when the load increases.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

A nanosecond laser combined with a two-axis reflection control unit is used to shape polygonal pyramids with defined geometry on a specific cemented carbide grade. In total, 12 different surface patterns have been fabricated, including four pyramid shapes, i.e., triangle, square, hexagon and octagon, and three lateral side angles, i.e., 30°, 45° and 60°. Characterization of the geometrical features shows satisfactory agreement between produced patterns and aimed ones. The precision is improved when the number of polygon sides and/or both side and slope angles increase. Side effects, such as re-deposition, cracks and pores, were discerned through scanning electron microscopy inspection. They become less obvious when the polygon side length or side angle increases, as the material melting becomes less important. Based on the observations, a borderline curve can be plotted for describing the production capability of such surface patterns on cemented carbides using the laser technology.