Comparison between properties of laser quenching layer and carburizing layer on low-alloy steel
[Introduction]The driving parts of high-voltage electrical products are widely made from 20CrMnMo low-alloy steel.It needs to be treated by gas carburizing,quenching,tempering,and hydrogen relief to meet the property requirement in application.There are many problems such as complicated procedures,long production cycle,low efficiency,and high emission of harmful gases.[Method]The surface of 42CrMo low-alloy steel was strengthened by laser quenching.The effective depth,microhardness,microstructure,wear resistance,and impact energy of hardened layer on 42CrMo and carburized layer on 20CrMnMo were compared.[Result]The comprehensive properties of laser quenched 42CrMo steel was slightly better than that of carburized 20CrMnMo steel.[Conclusion]Laser quenching is expected to replace the traditional surface strengthening treatment of 20CrMnMo.