Surface Smoothing and Surface Modification of Maraging Steel by Large-area EB Irradiation

Abstract

Maraging steels have been typically applied to precise metal mold since they have many excellent properties, such as high strength and toughness. In general, the metal mold has been finished by hand lapping, although this process takes a long time. Moreover, maraging steels are inferior to other mold steels in some surface functions. In this study, efficient surface smoothing and surface modification of maraging steel are proposed by large-area electron beam (EB) irradiation. The experimental results show that surface roughness decreases to approximately 1.0iimRz in a few minutes, and Mo-rich layer is formed in re-solidified layer of EB irradiated surface. Moreover, water repellency is improved by the EB irradiation.