Laser Glazing of Boronized Iron and Tool Steels

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Abstract
Efforts were made to generate amorphous surface layers on iron and high speed tool steels by the use of high power CO2 lasers (up to 5 kW) and of boron as an alloying element. Results were unsatisfactory. However, laser processed coatings were substantially thicker and harder than the initial boride coatings and exhibited hardness gradients along the melt depth. A maximum hardness of 2300 HV was observed in laser glazed regions. Microstructural analysis revealed that laser treatment produced fine Fe2B + eutectic in iron, and M2B+M23(B, C)6 + ternary eutectic in tool steels. The inability of laser glazing to produce amorphous coatings is examined and discussed.