Abstract

This paper describes the results of the application of Cr-Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films for efficiency improvement through surface modification of spur gear parts in the hydraulic gear pump. Cr-DLC films were successfully deposited on SCM 415 substrates by a hybrid coating process using linear ion source (LIS) and magnetron sputtering method. The characteristics of the films were systematically investigated using FE-SEM, nano-indentation, sliding tester and AFM instrument. The microstructure of Cr-DLC films turned into the dense and fine grains with relatively preferred orientation. The thickness formed in our Cr buffer layer and DLC coating layer were obtained the 487 nm and 1.14;µm. The average friction coefficient of Cr-DLC films considerably decreased to 0.15 for 0.50 of uncoated SCM415 material. The hardness and surface roughness of Cr-DLC films were measured 20 GPa and 10.76 nm, respectively. And then, efficiency tests were performed on the hydraulic gear pump to investigate the efficiency performance of the Cr-DLC coated spur gear. The experimental results show that the volumetric and mechanical efficiency of hydraulic gear pump using the Cr-DLC spur gear were improved up to 2~5% and better efficiency improvement could be attributed to its excellent microstructure, higher hardness, and lower friction coefficient. This conclusion proves the feasibility in the efficiency improvement of hydraulic gear pump for industrial applications.

• Keywords: Cr-DLC;Hybrid linear ion source deposition;Friction coefficient;Volumetric efficiency;Hydraulic gear pump;