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Hardening

The operation of hardening materials especially steels consists of two basic steps. Initially the material is heated to some temperature above its transformation point so that it becomes entirely austenitic in structure. Following this heating, the materials is cooled at a fast controlled rate (which for steel depends on the carbon content, the amounts of other alloying elements and the gain size of the austenite) to provide a martensitic structure.

The laser can be used as a good heat source. Prime advantages are that the position and area of the heat source can be closely controlled as can the amount of heat and the duration of heat application. An additional advantage is that the heat source does not require contact with the material and does not directly introduce impurities. A novel application is the heat treatment of materials that are enclosed within a pressurised glove box.


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