On the surface characterization of laser treated DIN 1.2379 tool steel

The following study aimed to optimize CO2 laser processing parameters for 1.2379 cold work tool steel to improve its surface properties. As its applications required high durability, strength, and precision, surface roughness and microhardness values were adjusted by varying laser power from 70% to 92%, laser speed from 1 to 5 mm/s, and stand-off distance from 4 to 6 mm. Using these background procedures, this specific study was performed to improve the manufacturing of tool steels used under extreme conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and profilometry were used to identify optimal settings that significantly improved the steel’s surface and subsurface appearances. A speed of 3 mm/s with a power of 81% and a stand-off distance of 5 mm resulted in minimized kerf width, kerf morphology, and spacing and improved uniformity. Using the energy dispersive x-ray spectrum, changes also measured in the distribution of elements, such as the increase in iron and chromium at the surface level of the steel. The effect of the parameters was quantified using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Taguchi method, which showed us the proportion of variance that could be described by the amount and specific parameters, with stand-off having the most impact. In this study, the specific effects of certain laser parameters on the microstructural and mechanical properties of cold work tool steel 1.2379 were recorded.