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What are the possible applications of laser surface engineering?

   

Table: Common laser surfacing applications

ProcessLaser sourcesProcess description
Transformation hardening CO2, Fibre, Disc, Nd:YAG, Diode Produces local hardening with case-depth of 1µ to 2mm, usually in steel
Shock hardening CO2, Fibre, Nd:YAG, Disc, excimer Induces shock waves at surface using pulses of laser energy to create a hardened layer
Laser glazing CO2, Fibre, Disc, Nd:YAG, Diode, Excimer Production of ultra-fine microstructures or glasses
Surface homogenisation CO2, Fibre, Disc, Nd:YAG, Diode, Excimer Microstructural refinement by re-melting
Cladding CO2,Fibre, Disc, Nd:YAG, Diode Produces local fusion and deposition of a second material onto a surface
Surface alloying CO2, Fibre, Nd:YAG, Disc, Diode Selective local alloying to change surface properties, e.g. addition of C to steel, W or N to Ti, and Si to Al
Surface impregnation CO2, Fibre, Nd:YAG, Disc, Diode Fusion with addition of a solid fraction, e.g. tungsten carbides
Surface texturing CO2, Fibre, Nd:YAG, Disc, CVL, excimer Produces local change in surface texture, e.g. makes rougher, smoother or adds texture
Micro-joining CVL. TEA, CO2 Very controlled surface texturing for special chemical or mechanical purposes
Photochemical modification Excimer, CVL Produces local changes for marking, better adhesive bonding or change of surface hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance
Stripping or ablation Excimer, Fibre, TEA, CO2, Nd:YAG Controlled removal of surface layers without altering the substrate, e.g. removing contaminated layers from nuclear materials
Surface refining Excimer Rapid, shallow melting to vaporise inclusions and impurities

For a more specific look at any laser surfacing application, whether it be standard or a completely novel idea, please contact us.

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