Surface alloying of stainless steels using a fiber laser

The potential of surface alloying of martensitic, austenitic, and ferritic stainless steels (95Cr18, 04Cr18N9, 03Cr17, respectively) using a ytterbium fiber laser with a maximum power of 2 kW was studied. Powders of a number of chemical compounds were used for alloying: carbides (WC, B₄C, TiC, Cr₃C₂), borides (W₂B₅, TiB₂). A layer of alloying material was preliminarily formed on the surface using the slip method. The thickness of the applied layer was ~ 150 μm. To prevent intense burnout, the treatment was carried out while supplying an inert gas (argon) to the irradiation zone. The effect of alloying modes on the microstructure, microhardness, chemical composition, quality of alloyed zones, and their geometric dimensions was studied. It was noted that the maximum alloyed layer depths were achieved at maximum radiation input of 2 kW and a minimum scanning speed of 1 m/min, ranging from 900 to 1800 µm. Moreover, at maximum energy input, the melt is fairly well mixed, and defects such as pores and cracks are virtually absent. A finely dispersed heterophase structure typically forms in the alloying zone, depending on the type of alloying material and laser processing modes, with precipitation of the original alloying phases or additionally formed ones. Overall, the pattern of microstructure and microhardness changes for the same alloying materials was similar for all the steels studied. The highest microhardness values, ranging from 8300 to 16500 MPa, 6000 to 10000 MPa, and 9500 to 13500 MPa, were achieved in the alloyed layers of 03Cr17, 04Cr19N9, and 95Cr18 steels, respectively, using boron carbide (B₄C). Laser alloying experiments demonstrated the fundamental possibility of surface hardening of ferritic and austenitic steels such as 03Cr17 and 04Cr18N9, and additional hardening of martensitic steels such as 95Cr18. The results obtained can be used to improve operational properties, such as wear and corrosion resistance, of specific products made from these steels.

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