Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy microstructural investigation of high-speed tool steel after Nd:YAG pulsed laser melting.
This article presents the microstructure of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser-melted high-speed steel, namely HS6-5-2. The high chemical homogeneity and fine structure of the melted zone was attributed to high cooling rates due to the short duration of interaction with the Nd:YAG pulsed laser radiation and the relatively small volume of the melted material. The structure obtained in the surface layer after laser melting has a high level of hardness and shows improved wear resistance.