Abstract. The relationship of technological input regimes of the laser transformation hardening on change the hardening depth
IntroductionOne of the most important problems solved by mechanical engineering is to improve surface microrelief and to increase physical and mechanical properties of the surface layer of metal products, which work in extreme conditions, by means of the developing and application of modern technologies for surface treatment. Solving this problem will allow to increase both operating properties and competitiveness of the manufactured products. One of the technological solutions to improve the wear resistance of the working surfaces of parts is the hardening of the surface layer by changing its structure [1].Application of highly-concentrated energy sources of plasma flow [2], electron beam [3] and laser [4] radiation ensure high levels increasing the hardness of metal parts, but not always promote improving surface microrelief. These high-energy methods surface treatment provide an opportunity the local hardening and promote increasing productivity processes. Developed modern laser engineering systems have some important advantages (uniform hardening depth, no vacuum environment, the possibility to transfer energy beam over long distances) compared to the plasma treatment, electron-beam treatment and other methods of surface thermal hardening [5]. Laser surface hardening of the tool steels by means of the laser transformation hardening (LTH) without melting [6] or with melting surface [7], and shock peening [8], by analogy with other types of hardening is the formation of the austenitic structure with the dissolution of carbide phases during rapid-action heating and its following transformation to martensite structure during cooling due to absorbing and transferring energy high concentrations to thin surface layer. Herewith time heating and cooling is minor, and practically absent dwell time at heating. These conditions provide high heating and cooling rates of the processed surface areas.High-alloyed tool steel AISI D2 with high chromium content is widely used in mechanical engineering. In particular, at the manufacturing of cutting edge blanking dies and dies of cold and hot pressing. These tool steels should be characterized by high hardness and wear resistance with sufficient viscosity in hot conditions and the possibility to maintain these properties over a significant period of working (exploitation). The cost of die tool is 8...20% of the cost forgings, and suspension of operation of the die tools in consequence of breakage is ~30%, wear loss is ~18%, unsuccessful selection of steel for dies is ~11% and from non-compliance of heat treatment regime is ~6% [9].