Title: Laser hardening model development based on a semi-empirical approach

Authors: Silvia Martínez; Eneko Ukar; Aitzol Lamikiz; Ivan Tabernero; Fernando Liebana

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, ETSII, c/Alameda de Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, ETSII, c/Alameda de Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, ETSII, c/Alameda de Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Basque Country, ETSII, c/Alameda de Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain. ' Tecnalia Research and Innovation, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edificio 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain

Abstract: The present research paper deals with laser surface hardening applied to medium carbon alloy steel AISI 1045. In order to control as much as possible the process, two different models were developed: a semi-empirical and a numerical model. To validate the results several experimental tests were carried out with a high power diode laser, measuring surface temperature with a two colour pyrometer. The process parameters considered in the study have been the laser power, from 1,700 to 1,900 Watt, and the interaction time, from 1 to 4 seconds, for a beam spot diameter of 10.2 mm. The results obtained in hardness value and heat affected zone depth show that the methodology explained is acceptable to evaluate laser hardening effects in an industrial application.

Keywords: laser hardening; semi-empirical models; numerical modelling; AISI 1045; quenching; surface treatment; medium carbon alloy steel; diode lasers; laser power; interaction time; hardness value; heat affected zone depth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2012.048231

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2012 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.247 - 262

Received: 02 May 2011
Accepted: 18 Sep 2011
Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

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