Laser surface hardening of GCr15 bearing steel ring

Surface hardening of GCr15 bearing steel ring was carried out using CW CO₂ laser. The laser power used was in the range of 300 to 500 Watts. A rectangular beam shape was used to cover the area to be hardened. A three fold increase in the hardness of the transformed zone was achieved. The depth of hardness attained was around 1mm. The depth and width of the laser treated zone were studied as function of laser power and working speed for specific spot size. The microstructure of the transformed zone is also discussed. Subzero cooling technique was applied to convert the retained austenite to martensite.