Laser hardening involves surface heating of the hardened element with a focused laser beam. The material is very quickly heated above the austenitizing temperature and then undergoes rapid cooling.
Characteristics
Cooling by itself results from the temperature difference between the hardened surface and the core of the element and does not require any external coolant. The depth range of the hardened layer is 1 – 1.5 mm, depending on the type of hardened material and the size of the element. Compared to conventional hardening methods (induction hardening, flame hardening), laser hardening causes the formation of hardening structures of higher hardness and less deformation of the element during the hardening process.
