A comparative study on surface topography and microhardness of laser polished-hardened AISI D2 tool steel

Although a laser beam with small diameter (< 1 mm) can significantly improve surface morphology, the polishing efficiency is very low, and improvement of hardness negligible. In this work, novel polishing-hardening (LPH) method integration high for treatment AISI D2 tool steel using large-size (Φ2.8 was proposed, effects hardening (LH), (LP), LPH treatments on topography microhardness were examined. The results show that LH had negligible effect roughness treated sample, while Ra LP specimens reduced by 74.6% 80.9%, respectively, indicating milled been improved, especially more effective in reducing roughness. Besides, 10 times approach. terms improvement, near-surface samples increased 1.5 1.3 times, hardened zone (EHZ) depth 0.42 mm 0.24 mm, demonstrating these two processing methods beneficial cross-section steel, increase insignificant. comprehensive analysis morphology specimen indicates feasible steel. On premise ensuring finish, be remarkably subsurface EHZ processed also increased, which provided idea application technology industrial mold production.