Effect of laser surface hardening on a low carbon steel substrate wear and hardness

Abstract

Laser surface hardening (LSH) is an effective process to produce hard and wear resistant steel surfaces. This work produced hardened surfaces using a fiber laser in a bare (B. uncoated) and carbon-coated (C) conditions. The obtained hardness and microstructure were compatible to martensite (B) and cementite (C) major constituents. A low coefficient of friction was obtained using C-condition. The treated surface also presented little damage during a reciprocating wear against a hard metal sphere.