초록 ▼

The invention relates to surface hardening of steel workpieces using laser beams and more particularly to laser hardening steel cutting rules. The method comprises applying a first laser beam of a first intensity and focused to a first focal point to a selected surface area of the metal workpart and

The invention relates to surface hardening of steel workpieces using laser beams and more particularly to laser hardening steel cutting rules. The method comprises applying a first laser beam of a first intensity and focused to a first focal point to a selected surface area of the metal workpart and subsequently applying a second laser beam having a second intensity and focused to a second focal point to the selected surface area. Application of the first laser beam heat treats the selected surface area to a predetermined depth, thereby increasing the surface hardness. Application of the second laser beam relieves internal stresses produced by the heat treating while retaining the increased hardness.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [25.]25. A method of surface hardening a steel cutting rule, comprising the steps of:cleaning said steel cutting rule;applying a laser beam absorbent substance to a selected surface area of said steel cutting rule;drying said laser beam absorbent substance;applying a first las

[ What is claimed is:] [25.]25. A method of surface hardening a steel cutting rule, comprising the steps of:cleaning said steel cutting rule;applying a laser beam absorbent substance to a selected surface area of said steel cutting rule;drying said laser beam absorbent substance;applying a first laser beam having a first intensity and focused to a first focal point to said selected surface area of said steel cutting rule;applying a second laser beam having a second intensity and focused to a second focal point to said selected surface area; andapplying a corrosion inhibiting substance to said steel cutting rule,wherein, in said step of applying said first laser beam to said selected surface area, said selected surface area is heat treated to a predetermined depth resulting in an increased hardness of said selected surface area, andwherein, in said step of applying said second laser beam to said selected surface area, said selected surface area is stress relieved of internal stresses produced by said heat treating but said increased hardness of said selected surface area produced by said heat treating is retained.