Laser surface alloying of SUS316 stainless steel with Al-Si (Effect of substrate temperature on structure and properties of modified layer)

Abstract

The effect of varying temperature of the type 316 stainless steel substrate on the structure and properties of laser alloyed layer was investigated. The material for alloying (Al-Si powder mixture) was placed on the surface of stainless steel substrate by pasting. The surface was scanned by a pulsed Nd: YAG laser beam to achieve surface alloying. The temperature of substrate continuously increased during laser treatment to about 830°C. The microstructure, chemical and phase composition and microhardness of the modified layer were studied then. It has been found that four different types of structure were formed in the alloyed zone depending on the temperature of the substrate. These structures differ from each other in phase composition, microhardness and relation to cracking. Based on the results, optimal parameters for the production of a uniform, crack-free layer with a high hardness were developed. Copyright © 2006 by The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.