Laser Hardening offers customers an excellent alternative to induction and flame hardening.
With laser precision and robotic control, laser hardening can be applied to complex surfaces while achieving repeatable hardness and case depth. The surface finish after laser hardening is excellent and in some cases requires no finishing work. The process is used exclusively on ferrous materials containing a minimum of 0.20% carbon.
The laser acts as a local heat source quickly bringing the surface up to the desired temperature. After the desired temperature is obtained, the laser travels a pre-determined path along the component. As the laser travels, the base material acts as a heat sink, quickly quenching the heated surface. This quick cooling provides a very fine martensitic grain structure; creating a superior localized heat treatment.
Real-Time pyrometer controlled heat input for use on carbon steel with carbon content of 0.2 and higher.
