A Novel Duplex Treatment of C20 Steel Combining Low-Pressure Carburizing and Laser Quenching

The aim of this experimental study is to improve hardness layer thickness and wear resistance through laser quenching. Laser quenching treatment is used as a part of duplex treatments to improve the thickness and hardness of surface layers of steels. This duplex treatment allow to reach a very high hardening depth, improving wear resistance and load bearing capacity. In present study the surface properties of a low carbon steel treated by low-pressure carburizing prior to a laser quenching process are investigated. Results demonstrate that laser quenching is an effective means of improving wear resistance of low-pressure carburized layer and the improvement is significantly affected by increase of hardened layer thickness.

This research paper focuses on a novel duplex treatment combining low-pressure carburizing and laser quenching to reach high surface hardness and hardening depth, improving wear resistance and mechanical properties. Results of microstructural analysis, micro- and nanohardness, wear and x-ray diffraction tests, carried out on laser-treated, carburized and duplex-treated C20 low-alloy steel, demonstrate that the novel duplex treatment developed greatly enhances wear resistance of the material.