Research
contents (Mizutani)

Development of the plasma shot process using
discharge phenomenon and realization of
low friction/low wear surface

The plasma shot (PS) method is a new surface treatment method that applies electric discharge machining. In the PS method, a continuous pulse discharge is generated between the electrode and the workpiece to melt the electrode and transfer its components onto the workpiece to form a modified layer. In this method, fine pulse discharges are repeated locally, so micro-dimples are formed on the surface of the material to be treated. At the same time, a modified layer with high adhesion can be formed by transferring the electrode material to the workpiece in a molten state and partially mixing and melting it with the base material. Creation of attractive surfaces with low friction and low wear can be expected by taking advantage of the feature that such a change in shape and surface property occurs at the same time.
Our laboratory is working to elucidate the geometrical and chemical phenomena that occur in the plasma shot process, and constructing the processes that effectively express the desired functions. A combined process of the PS method and grinding is also being proposed, and efforts are being made to create a “plateau structure” that is said to have a high lubricity with an extremely simple process.

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