Laser Transformation Hardening of Firing Zone Cutout Cams.

Abstract

This manufacturing technology (MT) project developed techniques to use laser transformation hardening to replace cyanide salt bath nitriding to case harden firing zone cutout cams for the Mk 10 Guided Missile Launcher System (GMLS). These cams, machined of 4340 steel, satisfactorily meet the manufacturing requirements of a case depth of 0.010-0.020 in. and a hardness of RC 55-67, with minimal distortion, after undergoing laser hardening. The laser transformation, utilizing a beam oscillator and numerical control stepping procedures to minimize heat buildup, produces a very fine martensitic structure that is hard, typically RC 62. This hardness is reduced somewhat in the beam overlap regions, but this factor is compensated for by cam preheat treatment and sufficient overlap of laser beam passes. The cost of laser hardening is estimated at less than 10 percent of the cost of cyanide nitriding. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA105498

Entities

People

  • Robert W. Lowry

Organizations

  • Naval Sea Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programs
  • Corrosion
  • Economic Analysis
  • Engineering
  • Guided Missile Launchers
  • Guided Missiles
  • Hardening
  • Heat Treatment
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Production Engineering
  • Systems Engineering

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Industrial Economics
  • Metallurgy
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy