Laser heat treating makes use of the laser energy to rapidly and efficiently heat a selected area of the surface of a metal component above the transformational temperature. The thermal mass of the component is all that is required to achieve quenching. In other words, a rapid quench necessary for hardening is achieved by removal of the laser energy via conduction. This occurs after turning off the laser or movement of the laser beam over the component’s surface. Rapid heat removal is achieved by the thermal mass of the component acting as a heat-sink. This heat removal rate is typically much higher than those associated with traditional methods and therefore can achieve a higher case hardness.
Visit the Advanced Laser Technology Ltd website for more information on Laser Hardening