Characterization of Diamond-Like Carbon on WC and H13 Tool Steel to Improve the Wear Resistance of FSW Tool

As the demand to weld high-strength materials through a friction stir welding (FSW) technique increases, the need for a better non-consumable rotating tool also increases as it has to be able to endure high frictional and thermal deformation, while the work-piece undergoes intense plastic deformation at high temperatures. The main sources of heat generation during the FSW method consist of the friction force between the tool and workpiece as well as the plastic deformation. H13 tool steel and tungsten carbide were assigned as base materials for the FSW tool. Diamond-like carbon was chosen for coating the FSW tool. Analysis of the coated surface showed the presence of DLC was observed to grow uniformly on the surface.