Laser surface heat treating

Laser surface heat treating is a proven process that increases strength, hardness, and fatigue life, and reduces wear. The process can be accurately controlled and heat can be precisely positioned. As a result, hardness and strength may be increased in specified areas with very little part distortion. This process has been proven in automotive and aircraft applications, as well as the pulp and paper industries. Treated parts include, but are not limited to gears, shuttles, punches, valves, valve guides, and locomotive cylinders. This article describes the process and presents fundamental criteria that help determine if a component is a viable candidate for laser surface heat treating.