Paper Titles
Influence of Si and Process Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of Continuously Annealed Low C-Nb-Ti Strip Steel
p.47
Application of Bi-Modal Milling Process to Fabricate Harmonic Structure Materials
p.55
Effect of Annealing Process on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Cold-Rolled Martensitic Steels for Automotive Structural Parts
p.63
Formulation and Characterization of Stainless Steel-Based Feedstocks for Fused Deposition Modeling: Effects of Binder Composition on Rheology, Printability, Physical, and Mechanical Properties
p.69
Laser Surface Hardening of AISI 431 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Using Different Laser Sources
p.77
Effect of Intercritical Annealing Temperature to Mechanical Performance of Hot-Rolled Medium Manganese Steel
p.83
Research on the Microstructural Evolution of Injection Molded AZ91 and Ultralight LAZ561Ca Magnesium Alloys during Solidification and Heat Treatment: Multiscale Characterizations and Multiphase Field Modeling
p.89
Thermomechanical Rolling of Air-Cooled Thick Nb-Ti-V-Ni High Strength Structural Plate
p.95
Thermodynamics of Bimetallic Joints between Titanium and Tantalum Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
p.101

Laser Surface Hardening of AISI 431 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Using Different Laser Sources

Article Preview

Abstract:

Laser surface hardening process is an advanced technology used to enhance metal surface properties through phase transformation. In recent decades, it has gained significant attention for its efficiency and precision. The glassmaking industry has shown interest in this technology as an alternative to laser cladding process, which causes environmental risks and machining challenges. This study aims to enhance AISI 431 stainless steel mold hardness without molten powder deposition. Surface hardening of AISI 431 stainless steel was carried out using continuous wave diode (940-1020 nm) and fiber (1070 nm) 4 kW laser sources. The influence of process parameters such as laser power (500-3040 W), scanning speed (4.5-8.5 mm/s) and number of laser head passes (1-4) were investigated on the hardened zone’s geometry, microhardness, and microstructure. Microstructural analysis was conducted using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current findings revealed a significant increase in microhardness due to martensite formation, which decreased with depth as martensite content reduced. Results showed that beyond a certain limit, the hardness reaches a maximum value that, regardless of the parameters, can no longer increase. This mainly depends on several factors, such as material properties, processing parameters, and cooling conditions. Achieving a target hardness is possible by adjusting the number of passes, while the desired depth will primarily depend on the power and scanning speed.

You might also be interested in these eBooks
Metal Processing View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1174)

Pages:

77-82

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-T2lt8U

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

January 2026

Authors:

Oumaima Aroubi*, Fazati Bourahima, Christophe Lafarge, Renaud Ardid, François Brisset

Keywords:

Laser Hardening, Martensitic Stainless Steel, Microhardness

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] Ł. Łach, "Recent Advances in Laser Surface Hardening: Techniques, Modeling Approaches, and Industrial Applications," Crystals, vol. 14, no. 8, 2024.

DOI: 10.3390/cryst14080726

Google Scholar

[2] A. Khorram, A. Davoodi Jamaloei, A. Jafari, and M. Moradi, "Nd:YAG laser surface hardening of AISI 431 stainless steel; mechanical and metallurgical investigation," Opt. Laser Technol., vol. 119, no. February, p.105617, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2019.105617

Google Scholar

[3] E. Kennedy, G. Byrne, and D. N. Collins, "A review of the use of high power diode lasers in surface hardening," J. Mater. Process. Technol., vol. 155–156, no. 1–3, p.1855–1860, 2004.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2004.04.276

Google Scholar

[4] M. Moradi, H. Arabi, S. Jamshidi Nasab, and K. Y. Benyounis, "A comparative study of laser surface hardening of AISI 410 and 420 martensitic stainless steels by using diode laser," Opt. Laser Technol., vol. 111, no. October 2018, p.347–357, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2018.10.013

Google Scholar

[5] V. Somonov, I. Tsibulskiy, R. Mendagaliyev, and A. Akhmetov, "Investigation of the technological possibility of laser hardening of stainless steel 14cr17ni2 to a deep depth of the surface," Metals (Basel)., vol. 12, no. 1, 2022.

DOI: 10.3390/met12010005

Google Scholar

[6] K. Bensalem, N. Barka, S. Sattarpanah Karganroudi, A. Sadeghian, and M. Moradi, "Effects of laser process parameters on the hardness profile of AISI 4340 cylindrical samples: statistical and experimental analyses," Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol., vol. 122, no. 7–8, p.2849–2867, 2022.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-022-09441-4

Google Scholar

[7] B. Mahmoudi, M. J. Torkamany, A. R. S. R. Aghdam, and J. Sabbaghzade, "Laser surface hardening of AISI 420 stainless steel treated by pulsed Nd:YAG laser," Mater. Des., vol. 31, no. 5, p.2553–2560, 2010.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2009.11.034

Google Scholar