Direct Diode Laser Surface Melting of Nodular Cast Iron

Abstract

A nodular cast iron (NCI) has been surface melted using the high power direct diode laser (HPDDL) with a quasi-rectangular laser beam spot and the uniform distribution of power. The effect of a heat input and a shielding gas on the quality of surface melted layers (SMLs) has been investigated. The microstructure of the SMLs has been assessed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Comparative erosion tests between the SMLs and as-received NCI have been performed following the ASTM G 76 standard test method. The HPDD laser surface melting of the NCI enables to produce non-porous layers having a hardness up to 1000 HV. It has been determined that the hardness of SMLs depends on the amount of cementite and residual austenite in the fusion zone. The SMLs produced in an argon atmosphere contain higher volume fraction of austenite, than those produced in nitrogen, and consequently have the lower hardness. With increasing heat input the hardness increases, as the result of more complete dissolution of graphite and the higher amount of cementite. The SMLs exhibited significantly higher erosion resistance than the as-received NCI for erodent impact angle of 3<em>0°, and slightly lower at 90°.</em><em></em>