Laser hardening
CANUNDA improves quality and efficiency of laser heat treatment processes
Heat treatment is a process that alters the microstructure of metals such as iron-carbon alloys and aluminum. This process has a direct impact on the mechanical properties of the workpiece. One way to increase the hardness of a workpiece is by tempering: the workpiece is heated to bring the soluble constituents into solution and then rapidly cooled, which freezes the alloy microstructure, giving it greater hardness than if it were cooled slowly. A laser can be used in the tempering process to increase the surface temperature of the workpiece.
This technique has the advantage of being able to perform selective hardening. By targeting the laser beam, it is possible to harden specific areas while retaining the standard properties on the rest of the part, which is self-cooled by conduction. Lasers can also be used to harden geometrically complex parts, with the advantage of limiting deformation and residual stress.
This technique can be applied to any type of mechanical industry. For example, it is used in the automotive industry to harden the contact surfaces of camshafts. It is also used for hardening cutting tools.
One of the challenges of this process is to improve the uniformity, and therefore the quality, of the hardening process, especially for geometrically complex parts. Certain features, such as edges, can generate a concentration of heat resulting in different mechanical properties, and even residual deformations. In addition, increasing process efficiency is a challenge, especially for high volume manufacturing, such as in the automotive industry.
The Cailabs CANUNDA product line provides:
- Improved precision and efficiency of laser hardening with CANUNDA-HP. The CANUNDA-HP module produces a homogeneous top-hat rectangular beam that evenly heats the surface. The sharp edges of the rectangular profile make it possible to maintain good selectivity by focusing the heat on the targeted area only, thus avoiding areas that have already been hardened.
- Improved laser hardening process efficiency with CANUNDA-HP. The fully reflective module designed by Cailabs can manage high power without transmission loss. The CANUNDA-HP modules have already demonstrated their ability to withstand very high power levels – up to 16 kW. The rectangular shape with steep edges is optimal for this process, as it limits overlaps between passes.
- Easy integration into industrial environments with CANUNDA-HP. Since the laser beam projection modules are generally mounted on mobile robotic arms, CANUNDA-HP has a small footprint and lightweight design. In addition, the module has a specific fiber optic connection for the types of lasers used in this application. Finally, CANUNDA-HP allows you to add accessories, including pyrometers, for better process control!
For more information:
- Get more information on the CANUNDA-HP beam shaping laser head specifically designed for high-power surface treatment.
- Watch our webinars to discover how Cailabs improves laser processes with high power continuous-wave lasers:
- CUSTODIAN Webinar on Laser Beam Welding and Laser Powder Bed Fusion
- Webinar with Institut Maupertuis on the benefits of CANUNDA-HP for laser welding
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