Laser heat treatment of nickel-based alloys – a review

Abstract

In this paper researches which focus on laser heat treatment of nickel-based alloys are reviewed. Studies published from 1970s until today are taken into consideration. Publications which focus on influence of laser thermal processing on surface layer condition both on solid materials and pre-deposited coatings are described. Laser technologies in which additional materials are delivered during the process are not considered. In order to focus on studies investigating microstructural changes resulting mainly from material remelting, laser shock processing is also disregarded.

Physical and Technological Principles of Processing Steel with UV Laser Radiation

“…Laser industrial technologies are based mainly on the thermal effect of laser radiation on the material being processed, because of which, when certain temperatures are reached, various physical processes can develop on the surface and in the volume of the irradiated material [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…1), so the heating efficiency of metals increases when using a laser with a shorter wavelength. Therefore, the processing of metals using a Nd:YAG laser or Nd:YVO4 laser with a wavelength of   1.06 m is more efficient than processing with a CO2 laser with a wavelength of   10.6 m [4][5][6][7].…”

“…Laser processing can be used to further strengthen fully finished products. Previously, it was shown [4] that both the pulse duration and the initial structure affect the microhardness of the hardened layer. To elucidate the effect of the initial treatment, laser hardening was carried out at a constant pulse duration.…”

Tempering of Steels With Low-Power Lasers of the Uv Range

“…1), so the efficiency of heating metals increases when using a laser with a shorter wavelength. Therefore, the processing of metals using a Nd:YAG laser or a Nd:YVO4 laser with a wavelength of λ = 1.06 μm is more effective compared to processing with a CO2 laser with a wavelength of λ = 10.6 μm [2,4].…”