Nd: Yag laser surface hardening for steels and cast iron

Abstract

This work relates with heat treatment by laser of metallic surfaces. The hardening of steels AISI 1045, W1, W112 and flake and nodular cast irons was carried out using a Nd: YAG laser. Operation parameters of laser like beam power (P) and traverse speed of the laser Spot (V) are closely related to the depth of hardening. The authors present some analyses on metallographic studies. In all cases Vickers microhardness valves of about 500-900 HV (three or four times higher than original substrates). Relations between microhardness and depth of hardening are presented for the processed materials. Experimental results showed that the scan speed increase produces a decrease on depth of hardening as reported by others researchers. On the other hand, the samples with higher carbon content show lower hardenining depth. In addition, tribological tests were carried out. These tests show wear resistance when compared with conventional heat treatment. The frictional coefficient decrease in the samples with laser surface treatment.