Experimental investigation of laser transformation hardening of low alloy steel using response surface methodology

In this research, a systematic investigation on laser transformation hardening (LTH) process is carried out on high-strength low-alloy medium carbon steel, EN25 using design of experiments (DOE). The effect of input process parameters like laser power, travel speed over the response hardened width (HW), hardened depth (HD), and hardened area (HA) are analyzed. The experimental trials are conducted based on the design matrix obtained from the 3k full factorial design (FFD) using a 2 kW continuous wave Nd:YAG laser power system. A quadratic regression model is developed to predict the responses using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the developed mathematical models, the direct and interaction effects of the process parameters on LTH are investigated. The optimal hardening conditions are identified to maximize the HW and minimize the HD and HA. The results of the validation test show that the experimental values quite satisfactorily agree with the predicted values of the mathematical models and hence, the models can predict the response adequately.