Structure and properties of laser quenched 4Cr13 steel

The structure and properties of laser quenched 4Cr13 steel were reported. The results show that: (1) Fine martensite is obtained after laser quenching. The highest content of retained austenite in the surface area 10μm thick of laser hardened zone is 47.13%, but only 3.6% of retained austenite is measured inside the laser hardened layer after the 10μm thick surface layer is worn off. (2) The hardness of laser quenched layer is much higher (HV_0.1690) than that of the substrate (HV_0.1237). (3) The wear resistance of laser quenched layer is 3.3 times higher than that of traditionally treated specimen and the corrosion resistance of 4Cr13 is also improved greatly by laser quenching.