Microstructural and Tribological Evaluation of Brake Disc Refurbishing Using Fe-Based Coating via Directed Energy Deposition

In this paper, the refurbishing of worn-out brake discs by coating with powder via direct energy deposition (DED) is evaluated. A medium carbon steel was used to coat cast-iron discs. Deposition carried out directly on disc surface or, alternatively, after a previous buffer layer made stainless steel. It seen that use ensured good adhesion, despite formation cast microstructures at interfaces between and two different coatings (buffer outer layer). Coated were tested against Cu-free commercial friction materials evaluate their tribological properties. Very similar coefficients, specific wear rates, total emissions measured for both sliding coated disc. These data are slightly higher respect those obtained in case an uncoated disc, suggesting improvement top composition finishing necessary order achieve better performances.