Laser surface hardening of austempered (bainitic) ball bearing steel

This study concerns laser surface hardening (LSH) of austempered SAE 52100 steel to enhance hardness and wear resistance. Following LSH with selected laser parameters, surface microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated by optical/scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, hardness measurement and wear studies, and thermal profile modeling. The results suggest that LSH could develop residual compressive stress and high hardness and wear resistance in this steel without affecting the bainitic core.