Abstract
Cast iron is one of the most common structural materials and is widely used in mechanical engineering production. Taking into account its rather low mechanical properties, different technologies are currently used in industry, among other areas, for the mechanical and thermal strengtheningof the surface layer, as well as surface alloying of workpieces. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of changes in the microstructure, microhardness of the surface layer and its wear resistance under lubrication friction conditions and changed surface energy density in order to ensure the effectiveness of laser strengthening of gray cast iron. In this research, the efficiency of gray cast iron GJL200 laser strengthening was described. The basic properties of the surface layer of gray cast iron under laser strengthening, including the microstructure, microhardness, tribological and wear behavior, were compared with the properties of cast iron in the initial state. It was found that laser strengthening under the right choice of the surface energy density ensured a five-to-tenfold increase in the wear resistance of gray cast iron in comparison with the initial state. This was due to forming unconventional pseudo-vermicular graphite shapes at the friction zone, as well as a spongy-capillary effect appearance. The appropriate selection of surface energy density values provided stable and low coefficients of friction and a very significant increase in the wear resistance compared with the values reached for a cast iron in the initial state. This fact is new and very important for the engineering practice. The values of the surface energy density can be easily controlled, which means that different parts can be operated efficiently after laser strengthening.
Highlights
Cast iron is one of the most common structural materials, used first of all in series and mass production
The purpose of this study was a comprehensive analysis of changes in the microstructure, microhardness of th2e. sMurfaacteelaryiearlasndaintsdweMar reestihstoandcesunder lubrication friction conditions and changed surface energy density in order to ensure the effectiveness of the laser strengthening of g2ra.y1.caTsthireonI.nitial Material
The analysis of the examined surfaces of the samples showed that the microroughness profiles after grinding the cast iron in the initial state and after laser strengthening differed (Figure 2)
Summary
Cast iron is one of the most common structural materials, used first of all in series and mass production. White, gray, ductile or high-strength cast irons may be used. Gray cast irons are characterized by good casting properties and are widely used in mechanical engineering. Their high brittleness makes it impossible to use them for parts working under tension or bending. Gray cast irons are used only for the parts working under compression. The industry uses technologies that increase the properties of ready-to-use molds from traditional grades of cast iron. Such technologies include mechanical and thermal strengthening of the surface layer, as well as surface alloying of work-pieces
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