Features of Spot-Matrix Surface Hardening of Low-Carbon Steel Using Pulsed Laser

Abstract

In this work, results of spot hardening in low-carbon steel by using a pulsedNd:YAG laser are presented. These results include determination ofhardening depth, diameter of hardened spot, aspect ratio and heat-affectedzone width with varying laser energy density. In order to determine the effectof irradiation profile on the overall achievable hardness, the profiles ofoverlapping, adjacent and separated hardened spots are compared and thepercent coverage of the workpiece as a function of the laser-hardened spotdimensions.