Microstructure and properties of the hot work tool steel gradient surface layer obtained using laser alloying with tungsten carbide ceramic powder

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present the innovatory investigation results of the impact of laser treatment consisting of multiple remelting and alloying using tungsten carbide ceramic powder on the microstructure and properties of hot work tool steel X40CrMoV5-1 surface layer. Design/methodology/approach: Laser heat treatment allows the production of gradient surface layer with a thickness reaching from of tenths of a millimetre even to few millimetres with specific functional properties, including high hardness and abrasion resistance, while maintaining the properties of the substrate material. Findings: Preliminary investigations of the effects of laser radiation on steel surface have showed, that in the surface layer there occur changes concerning the microstructure as well as in the chemical composition different from those occurring during conventional heat treatment. Research limitations/implications: There was determined the effect of laser power on the remelting depth, the depth of the heat affected zone and the width of the laser tray face. There was also measured and compared to the hardness and roughness of the steel processed by remelting with different process parameters. Practical implications: The current application areas for hot work tool steels are constantly growing, and the intensive development of techniques requires the use of new technologies, what leads to production of specific surface layer on materials, in order to meet the extremely difficult working conditions of modern tools. Originality/value: The effect of a HPDL laser melting on the hot work tool steel, especially on their structure and hardness has been studied.