Dariusz Bartkowski

Microstructure and selected properties of boronized layers produced on C45 and CT90 steels after modification by diode laser

Abstract The paper presents the study results of macro- and microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance of C45 medium carbon steel and CT90 high carbon steel after diffusion boriding and laser modification by diode laser. It was found that the increase of carbon content reduced the thickness of boronized layer and caused change in their morphology. Diffusion boronized layers were composed of FeB and Fe2B iron borides. As a result of laser surface modification of these layers, the microstructure composed of three areas: remelted zone, heat affected zone (HAZ) and the substrate was obtained. Microhardness of laser remelting boronized layer in comparison with diffusion boronized layer was lower. The presence of HAZ was advantageous, because mild microhardness gradient between the layer and the substrate was assured. The specimens with laser boronized layers were characterized by better corrosion resistance than specimens without modified layer.

Study on Edgetrimming of Holes in the Thick Steel Plates by Metal Plastic Forming Technology

In this paper the results of investigations carried out in the field of hole-flanging in thick steel sheets were presented. All experiments were performed in the Division of Metal Working of the Institute of Materials Technology at the Poznan University of Technology. An experiments of hole-flanging were carried out using cylindrical, spherical and conical punches. The blanks made of BW11, 34GHA and 15HGMV steels were investigated using different holes diameters. The holes were prepared using boring and laser techniques. The influence of the method of holes preparation on the quality and dimensions of obtained flanges were discussed.

Microstructure and selected properties of Fe-B coatings reinforced with B4C and Si particles produced by laser cladding using Yb:YAG disk laser

The paper presents the study results of Fe–B coatings produced on C45 steel using laser cladding with powder technology. For this purpose, 5-axis CNC laser machining center equipped with Yb:YAG disk laser with a power rating of 1 kW and three streams powder feeding system. The powder that was used to produce Fe–B coatings was subsequently modified by the particles of boron carbide B4C and Si particles. The resulting powder mixture to the particles included 25 wt % respectively 20% B4C, 5% Si. During these studies a laser beam power of 600 W and variable scanning speed 600 mm/min, 800 mm/min and 1000 mm/min were used. Thickness and microhardness of coatings were investigated and relationship between these properties and microstructure of the applied production parameters were described. The microstructure of producing coatings was characterized by dendritic shape. It was found that boron carbide particles and silicon particles have significant influence on increase the microhardness of produced coatings. Coatings were produced using the prepared powder mixture allowed to obtain more than twice greater microhardness than in case of coatings produced using only the Fe–B powder. Phase composition was examined by XRD. Phases of Fe3B, Fe5Si3, Fe2Si and SiB6 were identified. The influence of B4C and Si particles in the mixture of powder on the corrosion resistance of produced coatings were discussed. It was found gradual reduction of corrosion resistance with decreasing scanning speed of laser beam. Less scanning speed result in less intense interaction of laser beam on the material. As a result of this, the remelting degree of powder material with steel substrate was smaller. The surface condition after corrosion tests were examined using a scanning electron microscope. This paper also shows a calculation related to the power density of the laser beam, interaction time of beam on material and fluence.

Surface condition, microstructure and microhardness of boronized layers produced on Vanadis-6 steel after modification by diode laser

Abstract The paper presents the study results of surface condition, microstructure and microhardness of Vanadis-6 tool steel after diffusion boriding and laser modification by diode laser. As a result of diffusion boriding the layers consisted of two phases: FeB and Fe2B. A bright area under the continuous boronized layers was visible. This zone was probably rich in boron. As a result of laser surface modification of boronized layers, the microstructure composed of three zones: remelted zone, heat affected zone and the substrate was obtained. The microstructure of remelted zone consisted of boron-martensite eutectic. The depth of laser track (total thickness of remelted zone and heat affected zone) was dependent on laser parameters (laser beam power density and scanning laser beam velocity). The microhardness of laser remelting boronized layer in comparison with diffusion boronized layer was slightly lower. The presence of heat affected zone was advantageous, because it allowed to obtain a mild microhardness gradient between the layer and the substrate.

Diffusion Niobizing of Titanium Grade 2 by Gas-Contact Method

The work presents results of diffusion niobizing of titanium Grade 2 by gas-contact method. Microhardness, thickness, chemical composition and microstructure were investigation. Diffusion processes was carried out in a two powder mixture. First consisted of ferro-niobium, kaolin and ammonium chloride, second mixture contained pure niobium instead ferro-niobium. The processes were carried out at 950°C, 1000°C and 1050°C for 2, 4 and 6 hours. Due to the geometric surface structure quality and other properties like thickness or microhardness, the best diffusion layer was obtained using first powder mixture and following parameters: temperature 950°C and time of diffusion equal 2 hours. The diffusion layer established in these conditions, had structure of niobium solution in titanium, and niobium content of about 10%. Its hardness was 550 HV0.05 while thickness was 120 μm.