Laser treatment of sintered TiC-steel alloys

Abstract

1. Laser treatment of TiC-5Kh6VM2 steel alloys leads to a significant increase in hardness in the zone of laser action. The maximum effect of laser hardening is obtained for alloys containing up to 30% TiC. 2. The addition of titanium carbide to the steel leads to an increase in the depth of the zone of laser action as the result of a change in the character of heat dissipation. 3. The increase in hardness of the alloy with 10% TiC is caused by the significant redistribution of the carbide phase, the increase in its degree of dispersion, and additional alloying of the steel binder. 4. After laser treatment of alloys containing 10% TiC their relative wear resistance e is four to five times higher than after through oil hardening. The e of the alloy with 10% TiC is also higher than the e of alloys with a higher TiC content. 5. The tendency toward crack formation of alloys with titanium carbide limits its content to 10%.