No abstract

A 1200 W diode laser was used to modify the surface properties of a fully-sintered ferrous PM material. Two modifications were investigated; transformation hardening of selected areas and sealing of surface porosity by re-melting. The diode laser was used because the beam footprint is large (5×0.5 mm) and the wavelength short (0.94 μm). Processed samples were examined using metallographic and hardness testing techniques. Results indicated that hardness comparable to induction hardening could be achieved and re-melting could be controlled to seal porosity. Further work now needs to be undertaken to convert this demonstrated potential into a commercial reality.