Real-time monitoring of laser surface hardening of ferrous alloys

An infrared process monitor was used to monitor in real-time the infrared emissions during laser surface hardening of gray cast iron and 1045 steel. The signal from the monitor was correlated with the hardness and case depth of the laser-treated tracks. Test data show that a linear relationship exists between the monitor output DC level voltage and hardness up to the maximum hardness possible and also between the monitor output DC level voltage and case depth. This simple relationship of the monitor voltage signal with hardness and case depth makes it easy to monitor process hardness, case depth and quality. A calibration test on prototypic material can be used to determine at what voltage level melting occurs and the heat treating process hardness and case depth can be monitored easily by setting an upper and lower bound for the voltage signal. The monitor is also capable of tracking changes in surface quality or flatness of the part that is being treated.