Localized dispersing of ceramic particles in tool steel surfaces by pulsed laser radiation

In this paper the capability of a localized laser dispersing technique for changing the material microstructure and the surface topology of steels is discussed. The laser implantation named technique bases on a discontinuous dispersing of ceramic particles into the surface of steels by using pulsed laser radiation. As ceramic particles TiC, WC and TiB2 are used, substrate material is high-alloyed cold working steel (X153CrMoV12). The influence of the laser parameters pulse length and pulse intensity was investigated in a comprehensive parameter study. The gained surface topology and microstructure were evaluated by optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and white light interferometry; mechanical properties were analyzed by micro hardness measurement. The experiments reveal that the alignment of separated, elevated, dome-shaped spots on the steel surface is feasible. The geometrical properties as well as the mechanical properties are highly controllable by the laser parameters. The laser implanted spots show a mostly crack-free and pore-free bonding to the substrate material as well as a significant increase of micro hardness.