Optimizing laser surface texturing effect via synergy of Burst-mode and advanced scanning paths

Different laser surface texturing (LST) parameters produce varying effects, prompting the need to rationalize a strategy that optimizes structure for specific functionalities while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. This study applied square groove texturing to 304 stainless steel samples using a combination of scanning paths and Burst-mode to explore strategies that enhance texturing effect. In this paper, the texturing effect is quantified by texturing efficiency and surface quality. The square groove textures were manufactured using four scanning paths under picosecond lasers: 90°, 60°, circular, and horizontal-vertical reciprocating (HVR), along with Burst-mode at various pulses per burst (PPB). Multifactorial experiment systematically analyzed the texturing effect of various combination strategies. Additionally, this study established a geometric simulation model to validate the experimental results’ accuracy. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the simulation model effectively reflects the actual texturing results. The results indicated that this strategy achieves better texturing effect compared to traditional methods. Specifically, with the pulse number fixed at 2, the texturing efficiency of the horizontal-vertical reciprocating (HVR) scanning path is nearly twice that of the 60° scanning path, while also maintaining superior surface quality.