Surface Hardening of Cast Irons by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

A new surface hardening technology for cast irons was developed by applying the Friction Stir Processing (FSP) in which the matrix can be controlled in the solid state. Flake graphite cast iron (FC300) and spheroidal graphite cast iron (FCD700) were used to investigate the validity of this new method. As a result, it has been clarified that a Vickers hardness of about 700 HV is obtained for both the flake graphite cast iron and the spheroidal graphite cast iron, and that the hardness depends on the size and the density of the martensite phase. Moreover, the hardness can be controlled down to about 500 HV by changing the stirring degree. For previous hardening methods, post surface-processing was required because a large distortion was generated. However, with this new method, many advantages, such as a higher surface hardness and unnecessary post surface-processing, could be obtained.