Numerical simulation and experimental study on laser hardening process of the 42CrMo4 steel

The large diameter pitch bearing was made of steel 42CrMo4 and the laser hardening process was used to improve its surface properties. In this paper, a numerical approach which can predict the temperature field and the hardened depth is provided for the laser hardening process of the 42CrMo4 steel. According to the simplification of the raceway structure of pitch bearing, the finite element model was constructed using ABAQUS software. Based on the actual process parameters, the transient thermal analysis was accomplished and the distribution of temperature field is analyzed. The hardened depth is determined according to the proposed temperature range. Laser power, laser scanning speed, and spot diameter were considered as input parameters, the experimental studies were performed based on orthogonal design in order to study the effects of process parameters. The finite element model is validated. The surface roughness and microstructure studies on treated surfaces were conducted. Also the micro-hardness testing was performed. The results show that the laser hardening increases surface hardness by about 3.8 times than that of the base material. The three parameters of laser power, laser scanning speed, and spot diameter have a coupling effect on the surface treatment. The input laser power density is more important.