Theoretical and experimental study on laser surface hardening by repetitive laser pulses

► An analytical model for temperature in repetitive laser pulse hardening developed. ► Theoretical and experimental study of CW and pulse laser hardening presented. ► Time for homogenization of austenite is relative longer in repetitive pulse heating. ► Depth of hardening increases with number of laser pulses at low pulse frequencies. ► Repetitive pulse heating provides better control of hardening process.