Precision Modification of Microstructure and Properties Through Laser Engraving

Kathryn A. Small, Ian D. McCue, Katrina S. Johnston, Ian Donaldson, Mitra L. Taheri*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Laser processing results in modified mechanical properties and microstructural evolution due to high temperatures and fast cooling rates. Different laser surface treatment techniques are under investigation for their potential to alter local microstructure and properties while maintaining properties of the bulk material. Fatigue life of laser-engraved powder metallurgy steel is shown to be significantly reduced compared to as-sintered material, suggesting a degree of microstructural modification with engraving. The misorientation, dislocation density, and phase of samples engraved with a 2D matrix pattern using one laser pass and five laser passes are characterized using optical microscopy and SEM-EBSD, and a CFD simulation of the laser process quantifies the temperature profile of each laser engraving. Deep-engraved samples are seen to result in a possible martensitic transformation at the surface of the engraved region because of increased time at elevated temperature and extreme cooling rates. These findings reinforce the importance of understanding microstructural evolution during precision tailoring via laser surface modification.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4211-4220
Number of pages10
JournalJOM
Volume73
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021

Funding

The authors acknowledge James Frishkoff for optical characterization and phase mapping, Barry Diamond and Tom Murphy from GKN Hoeganaes for metallography, and Bryce Christensen from GKN Powder Metallurgy for testing.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • General Engineering

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