Laser surface treatment of the hot work tool steel alloyed with TaC and VC carbide powders

Purpose: The paper presents investigation results of the structure and properties of alloying surface layer of the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel, using the high power diode laser HPDL. Tantalum and vanadium carbides powders were used for alloying and the X40CrMoV5-1 conventionally heat treated steel was used as reference material. Design/methodology/approach: Metallographic examinations of the material structures after laser alloying surface layer were made on light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The resistance research has been done with the use of the pin-on-disc method. Hardness tests were made with Rockwell method in C scale. Findings: It was found out in examinations of the surface layer that it can be possible to obtain high quality top layer with better properties compared to material after a standard heat treatment. Research limitations/implications: In this research two powders (TaC and VC) were used for alloying of the surface layer of investigated steel. Practical implications: The structure as well as improvement of mechanical properties is a practical aim of this work as well as improvement of hardness as a very important properties for practical use. Originality/value: The research results of this type of heat treatment show that there is a possibility of applying the worked out technology to manufacturing or regeneration of chosen hot working tools.