Optimization of Ni–B Coating Process Parameters Through Factorial Design and Taguchi Approach

Protective coatings enhance abrasion and wear resistance, extending component lifespan. This study optimizes bath and heat treatment parameters for Ni–B coatings to improve tribological performance. Synthetic datasets of the coefficient of friction (COF) were analyzed using factorial design and the Taguchi method. The optimal COF values were <i>μ_opt</i> = 0.4244 (factorial) and <i>μ_opt</i> = 0.3998 (Taguchi), with the latter’s confidence interval [0.3671, 0.4325] confirming the validity of both. For minimizing COF, optimal settings were <i>t_f</i> = 60 °C, <i>T_l</i> = 60 min, <i>t_h</i> = 200 °C; for maximizing Vickers microhardness, <i>t_f</i> = 85 °C, <i>T_l</i> = 100 min, <i>t_h</i> = 600 °C, with a confidence interval of [814.17, 867.48]. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing the Ni–B coating process.