Fundamental study on hardening method for corners using a top hat-shaped rectangular laser beam

Abstract

This paper describes a laser-hardening technique using a top hat-shaped rectangular laser beam to form a uniform hardened area including the inner and outer corner parts. Experiments were carried out using a simple shaped workpiece with a square step cross-section. The influences of laser irradiation conditions on laser-hardening characteristics were evaluated by both experimental and theoretical approaches. A simple laser irradiation method to make a uniform hardening area was found.