LASER SURFACE MODIFICATION OF BOROCHROMIZING C45 STEEL

In this study the test results for borochromized C45 steel after laser surface modification were presented. Influence of laser heat treatment on the microstructure and microhardness of surface layer was investigated. The process of borochromizing consisted of chromium plating followed by diffusion boronizing. The laser heat treatment (LHT) of multiple tracks in the helical line was carried out with CO2 laser beam. The technological laser TRUMPF TLF 2600 Turbo CO2 of the nominal power 2.6 kW was applied. Borochromizing was carried out with laser power density q = 41.40 kW/cm(2) and at laser beam scanning rate v = 0.67 m/min and v = 2.016 m/min. Measurements of microhardness were conducted using the Vickers' method and Zwick 3212 B hardness tester. Microstructure observations were performed by means of an optical microscope Metaval Carl Zeiss Jena and scanning electron microscope Tescan VEGA 5135. After laser heat treatment with re-melting a three-zone layer was obtained, which included: re-melted zone, heat affected zone and a core. Influence of laser treatment parameters on thickness of melted zone and microstructure of the surface layer was tested. The microhardness tested along the axis of track of the surface layer after laser modification was about 800-850 HV. The results of tests showed influence of laser power density and scanning rate on microstructure and properties of borochromized layers.