Foresight methods application for evaluating laser treatment of hot-work steels

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the strategic growth perspectives of laser treatment of X40CrMoV5-1 and 32CrMoV12-28 hot-work alloy tool steels using NbC, TaC, TiC, VC and WC carbide powders. The criterion assumed for dividing the technologies into groups was the powder type; thus, five groups were selected to realised researches. Design/methodology/approach: As a part of the foresight-materials science researches, a dendrological matrix of technology value, a meteorological matrix of environment influence, and a matrix of strategies for technologies were elaborated, the strategic development tracks were determined, and materials science experiments were conducted using a scanning electron microscope, an optical microscope, a transmission electron microscope, a microhardness tester, a scratch tester, an X-ray diffractometer, an electron microprobe X-ray analyzer and a device for testing of heat fatigue and abrasive resistance. Also, technology roadmaps were prepared. Findings: The researches conducted demonstrated huge potential and attractiveness of the analyzed technologies, compared to others, and the promising properties improvement of the tested surface layers, as a result of laser surface treatment. Research limitations/implications: Researches concerning laser treatment of hot-work alloy tool steels constitute a part of a larger research project aimed at identifying, researching, and characterizing the priority innovative technologies in the field of materials surface engineering. Practical implications: The presented results of experimental materials science researches prove the significant positive impact of laser treatment on the structure and the properties of hot-work alloy tool steels, which justifies including them in the set of priority innovative technologies recommended for use in small and medium enterprises and in other business entities. Originality/value: The value of this article lies in the fact that it determines the value of laser treatment of hot-work alloy tool steels compared to other technologies and identifies the recommended strategic development tracks and technology roadmaps for them, taking into account the impact of such treatment on hardness, abrasion resistance, and coarseness of the tested surface layers.