Laser Hardening of Die Molds

Die molds are very important tools, used in various manufacturing industries to give shape and form to the materials and turn them into desired components.

During the manufacturing process, they are subjected to frequent cycles of mechanical impact. This causes fatigue and wear, or even distortion, and over time, the die no longer gives the performance that it is supposed to give.

Laser Hardening:

In the Laser Hardening process, a highly focused Laser beam is concentrated on the surface of the die mold for its selective hardening.
Due to this precisely controlled and localized heating of the work piece, there is a rapid transformation in the micro structure which results in the enhanced hardness of the surface and in turn enhancing its wear resistance.

Laser Hardening of Die mold involves following steps:

STEP 1: Heating
The Highly focussed precisely controlled Laser beam heats up the target area of the die mold surface selectively, by locally heating the desired regions. This heating is done till the target area achieves the Temperature required for hardening.
Depending on the material, this Temperature varies.

STEP 2: Self Quenching
As the heating is localized and done only on the target surface, the bulk of the material acts as a heat sink, which gives a self quenching effect.

STEP 3: Phase Transformation
Rapid heating and cooling cycle on the surface of the die mold causes transformation of micro structure from austenite phase to martensite . This martensite phase has a much hardened structure.

As a result of this transformation of phase, we get a hardened surface with much enhanced wear and abrasion resistance, thus increasing the life span of the die mold.

Advantages of Laser Hardening :

Self quenching : The bulk of material itself acts as a heat sink, which gives self quenching effect, so no separate arrangements are required for quenching.

Minimal Distortion : As the process is precisely controlled, heat input is lower, distortion is minimal. So, no post processing is required. Laser Hardening can even be performed on finished components.

Conclusion

Laser Hardening has proved to be beneficial in the field of die mold. It enhances the wear resistance and surface hardness of molds, extending their life span and also, precision of the manufactured components.

We, at Laser Automation, have provided turnkey solutions for Laser Hardening since 2009. We have our own application lab wherein we carry out feasibility trials on client components and provide Special Purpose Laser Hardening machines customized according to client specific requirements.

For any inquiries , please feel free to contact us.