Laser Hardening for Application on Crankshaft Surfaces Using Non-Uniform Beam Intensity Distributions

Abstract: A controlled continuous laser output using a circular geometry with a gaussian intensity distribution was used to harden the surface of a particular metal specimen (44MnSiVS6). Said beam operated within a relatively small power interval, just barely past the melting point. The resulting martensite track was shown to expand laterally at a positive exponential rate, with respect to the energy input. This was furthermore accompanied with an increase of the average slope at each lateral edge. The thickness was seen to expand at a significantly slower rate (by about one order of magnitude), with declining efficiency in regard to the energy input used. Thermal measurements along the surface indicated somewhat uniform temperature patterns within a relatively large area surrounding the middle of the beam spot. Though a slight elevation in temperature was often noted in the vicinity of its centre. In addition to using a gaussian beam, three other intensity distributions were utilized. The results obtained from said distributions may suggest effectual alterations to occur in terms of the shape and extent of the resulting martensite zone, if the spread of the gaussian intensity profile is allowed to be modified. Ideally, this would be carried out while still remaining close to the melting point, as well as keeping the spot size unchanged. A series of vicker's hardness measurements was carried out for each track induced by a different beam distribution. A clear transition in hardness was noted across the perceived boundary between the martensite zone and the base material, confirming the legitimacy regarding the phase identification.