Microstructure and properties of laser-borided 41Cr4 steel

Laser-boriding, instead of diffusion-boriding, was applied to formation of boride layers on 41Cr4 steel. The microstructure and properties of these layers were compared to those obtained after typical diffusion-boriding. Three zones characterized the microstructure of laser-borided layer: laser-borided zone, hardened medium-carbon zone (heat affected zone) and medium-carbon substrate without heat treatment. The through-hardened laser-borided steel was also analyzed. In this case two zones characterized the microstructure: laser-borided zone and hardened medium-carbon substrate. The microstructure of laser-borided zone consisted of eutectic mixture of borides and martensite. This phase composition (especially martensite presence) was the reason for microhardness decrease at the surface in comparison with diffusion-borided steel. However, the use of laser-boriding causes the decrease in microhardness gradient between the surface and the substrate in comparison with typical diffusion-boriding process. The value of mass wear intensity factor of the hardened laser-borided layer was comparable to that obtained in case of diffusion-boriding and through-hardening. The use of laser-borided layers instead of typical diffusion-borided layers may be advantageous under conditions of high abrasive wear of mating parts. For the experimental condition used, the laser-boriding process presented worst results concerning the fatigue strength. The cracks formed on the surface during laser re-melting were the reason for relatively quick first fatigue crack. In case of elements, which require high fatigue strength, the use of modified laser processing parameters would be necessary. The better results should be obtained by increasing of tracks overlapping. Although the cohesion of laser-borided layer was sufficient, the diffusion-borided layer showed a better cohesion.

► Laser boriding was proposed to formation of boride layers on 41Cr4 steel. ► Wear resistance is comparable to that obtained in case of diffusion-boriding. ► Low-cycle fatigue strength is lower because of relatively quick first fatigue crack. ► The surface cracks in laser-remelted zone could be avoided by controlling laser parameters. ► The smaller feed rate should be used what would result in increase of tracks overlapping.