Improvement of wear resistance of the hot work tool steel by laser surface feeding with ceramic powders

Purpose: In this paper the result of laser surface feeding or remelting is discussed. The remelted layers which were formed on the surface of the investigated hot work steel were examined and analyzed metallographically and analyzed using a hardness testing machine. The resistance research has been done on the CSM Instruments. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper the results of laser treatment techniques applied in metal surface technology are presented and discussed. There is presented laser treatment with feeding or remelting of hot work tool steel X40CrMoV5-1 with ceramic powders especially - Al2O3 and Si3N4, as well as results of laser remelting influence on structure and properties of the surface of the hot work steel, carried out using the high power diode laser (HPDL). Findings: On the basis of the wear abrasion tests carried out on hot work tool steel it could be found that each of those specimens is characterized by different resistance for the same powders and the power of the laser beam. The metallographic investigations on light microscope show that during feeding or remelting the hot work tool steel with the ceramic powder layer in the whole range of the laser power values used 1.2-2.3 kW the obtained bead face is characteristic of the high roughness, multiple pores, irregularity. Practical implications: The resistance to abrasive wear is a practical aim of this work as well as improvement of hardness as a very important properties for practical use. It is necessary to continue the research to determine feeding or remelting parameters for demanded properties of hot work tool steels surface layers. Originality/value: Laser feeding or remelting by using HPDL laser (High Power Diode Laser) and selected ceramic powders can be very attractive for industries.