Optimization Strategies of Laser Hardening of ,

The interest towards LASER hardening of steels has been increasing since the last few years due to its undoubted advantages. The main drawback affecting this manufacturing technology is the tempering effect induced when multiple passes on the same surface must be carried out. In order to minimize the softening effect due to tempering and to speed up the process a numerical model for the simulation of the treatment is proposed. This model is able to detect the optimal LASER path trajectory according to the source parameters and the scanning velocity, and it is able to predict the resulting microstructures and the relating hardness. Some examples on an hypo-eutectoid steel are presented together with validation tests.