Influencing the mechanical properties of engine and vehicle constructions alloy with laser surface heating

Abstract

The self-hardening aluminum alloys are interesting for producers of casting, because these materials have the required properties without using heat treatment. This casts production result in the following advantages: energy saving, reduction of the costs, no permanent deformation, largest casting dimensions possible, and so on. Nevertheless, it is well known that improvement of mechanical properties and structure of aluminum alloys can often significantly increase the lifetime of casting and reduce costs for fuel and reduction of environmental loading. The basic and energy saving method for improvement of mechanical properties of self-hardened alloys is surface hardening. Surface hardening improves properties such as: corrosion resistance, wear resistance and hardness. In regards this facts great interest in reducing the cost of components makes a great opportunity for use laser surface processing. Therefore this article deals with using laser surface heating and evaluations its influence onto mechanical properties of self-hardening ENAC-71100, i.e. AlZn10Si8Mg cast alloy. This alloy is especially used for engine and vehicle constructions, hydraulic unit and mound so the surface properties are important for application in industries. The results show that laser surface heating have influence on properties, but well defined conditions of heating are very important.