Deep surface transformation and cladding of net shape commercial steel parts by simultaneous multiple pulsed laser radiation

Abstract

A key innovation in materials processing of pre-formed metal parts is reported herein. The “QQC Process” involves the judicious selection of exposure parameters to three pulsed lasers (excimer, Nd-YAG and CO2) simultaneously for treatment of the work piece. Pre-formed commercial steel parts are hardened and/or toughened, and/or clad with TiC improving performance by at least one order of magnitude. Two examples are detailed: a punch for aluminum can production and a fuel injector nozzle. In the latter case it has been shown that some tens of microns of the metal are transformed to a noncrystalline phase, in the middle of the workpiece.