Surface Hardening by Laser Skin Melting
Abstract
A basic study has been initiated on the microstructural characterization of rapid quenched iron-base alloys produced by electron beam-glazing and laser-glazing. The quantitative effect of processing parameters (i. e., beam velocity, power, etc.) on melt zone geometry have been determined using M2 tool steel as a reference material. The conditions range from superficial surface melting with correspondingly high cooling rates (similar to 1/1000000 degrees centigrade) to the deep penetration mode, with a cooling rate of similar to 1/1000 degrees centigrade. The comparison of electron beam and laser-glazing was particularly striking, since the power efficiency in surface melting was ten times greater using an electron beam. Furthermore, electron beam-glazing produced (1) a uniform and smooth surface, (2) a constant depth of melting, and (3) a homogeneous microstructure. These highly desirable features were not achieved to the same degree in the laser-glazing experiments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA074166
Entities
People
- Peter R. Strutt
Organizations
- University of Connecticut