Surface engineering processes

Figure 2.9 Surface engineering process risk chart, /c ...

Laser surface engineering Processes and applications Edited by J. Lawrence, C. Dowding, D. Waugh and J. Griffiths... 

Table 1 An overall comparison of various surface engineering processes... 

In addition to the information presented below, tables and figures comparing surface-engineering process characteristics that appear in other Chapters should also be referred to. These are summarized in Table 1. 

One of the key considerations in the materials selection process is material availability and delivery time. This is especially true if a person/company has only a limited time for completing a part. Even without time constraints, materials engineers tend to use materials that are readily available. Similarly, the choice of a surface-engineering process is often based on process availability because poor logistics between the customer and surface treatment supplier can result in added shipping time and costs. 

Figure 4 shows the surface temperatures that are encountered in various surface-engineering processes. As indicated in the figure, the processes are categorized into two groups one group produces negligible part dis-... 

Figure 5 shows the typical thickness/penetration capabilities of various coating and surface treatments. As indicated in the figure, some surfaceengineering treatments penetrate into the surface and there is no intentional buildup on the surface. These are the surface-engineering processes described in Chapters 4 and 5. Other surface treatments coat or intentionally build up the surface. This is a selection factor. Can a part tolerate a buildup on the surface If not, the selection process is narrowed to the... 

When a customer is seeking a quotation or evaluating a possible surface-engineering process, it is vital that the contractor has the information listed below. This information should be viewed as the basis of a specification, to be agreed upon by both parties, with no margin for error or misunderstandings. Important information to be conveyed includes ... 

Energy consumption and other overhead costs Material costs and availability Material to process compatibility Component form and dimensions Tolerance requirements Surface finish needs Bulk treatment and surface engineering Process to component variability -> Process waste - Component recycling... 

Fig. 1.16 General classification of bulk and surface engineering processes.

Different manufacturing technologies such as primary shape generating processes, joining techniques, assembly systems and surface engineering processes require that selection takes place based on the factors relevant to that particular technology. For example, the selection of a joining technique may be heavily reliant on the ability of the process to join dissimilar... 

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