LASER HARDENING

Technology and process

The laser hardening technology allows for processing of pre-carburized or pre-nitrided materials. As a result of the process, we obtain a finer crystalline grid in comparison to furnace and induction hardening.

In the laser hardening process, the laser beam heats up the layers of the externally processed material. A temperature difference between the surface temperature (maximum temperature) and the core temperature occurs. The surface of the material is heated up to the austenitic transformation temperature at the rate of ca. 730o C per second and the process is controlled until the melting point is reached. After the target temperature is reached, the laser beam moves to the next processed fragment of the surface. The effect of high temperature causes austenitic transformation in the material. When the beam is no longer directed at the surface, it cools down by itself. Thanks to quick cooling, the material structure does not return to its original form and a very hard martensitic structure is formed.

The obtained hardness corresponds to the upper limit of martensitic transformation and the hardening depth depends on the type of material - in practice, it does not exceed 2 mm. Application of laser hardening allows for processing of parts the hardening of which by means of other methods used to be impossible. This creates new construction and development opportunities.

This method is environmentally friendly and requires no auxiliary processes or use of cooling media (water or oil). Another advantage of this method is its energy efficiency, quickness as well as the fact that hardened details are almost immediately available for the further production process.

Materials
  • tool sleets for cold works (NC6, NC10, NC11)
  • tool sleets for hot works (WLV, WCLV, WNLV)
  • steels for moulds for plastic production (1.2311, 1.2312, 1.2738, 1.2316)
  • steels for quenching and tempering (C45, C55, C60, 40H, 40HM, 38HMJ)
  • steels for carburizing (16HG, 20HG)
  • structural steels
  • cast steels
  • cast irons, modified and spheroidal cast irons
Advantages of laser hardening
  • Less deformation of the hardened element
  • Less heat input into the element
  • The hardening depth varies between 0,1 – 2mm depending on the material used
  • Temperature control on the hardened Surface
  • No tempering required after hardening
  • No quenching medium (neither water, air nor oil) is required in the process
  • Laser hardening as the last of industrial treatment is possible to some extent
  • A finer crystalline-structure is achieved compared to furnace or induction hardening
  • Hard surface with ductile core material after hardening
  • Multi-purpose use for a single hardening station – from flat surfaces, cylindrical to highly complex surfaces (like gear teeth, crankshafts, splines, forms, steel stamps and templates)
     

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