Laser Heat Treatment of Track Components in Combat Vehicles (Phase I)
Abstract
Abrasive wear locations in end connectors and center guides used in combat vehicles were precision heat treated with a continuous wave CO2 laser beam. Self quenched casings 3 to 4 mm deep, with predominantly martensitic microstructure of hardness between Rc 50 to 54 were observed. Coverage rates up to 90 sq mm/s were obtained. Abrasive wear tests revealed that laser heat treated specimens had smaller wear scar dimensions than untreated specimens. In a 9 mm thick AISI 4140 steel plate, case depth of 6.5 mm was obtained. Heat treatment was conducted with laser beam power of 4000 to 5000 W, with the beam shaped by a three-mirror optical tooling to provide a uniformly intense beam of size 19 x 19 mm. With this optical tooling, a stand-off distance of 445 mm between beam directing mirror and work surface was available. Laser heat treating cost estimates for an end connector were found to be $0.60 and for a center guide $0.69. Specifications and cost estimates for a prototype laser heat treating facility were developed. Quality assurance specifications, to control consistency of laser heat treatment from part of part, were proposed. Implementation of laser heat treating technology for the manufacture of track components will not modify manufacturing steps currently practiced, but will substitute induction or flame hardening methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102761
Entities
People
- D. S. Gnanamuthu
- R. J. Moores