PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR INCREASING THE DEGREE OF ABSORPTION DURING SUPERFICIAL SOLID PHASE HARDENING OF WORKPIECES BY LASER RADIATION

摘要

PCT No. PCT/EP95/04581 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 17, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 17, 1997 PCT Filed Nov. 21, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/28574 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 19, 1996In order to harden the surface of workpieces having complex shapes without previously applying absorption promoting surface layers, a mixture of inert gas and oxygen are supplied to the processing zone while the workpiece is exposed to laser radiation. The degree of absorption is maximized by adjusting at least one of the mixing ratio, the volume flow rate, and the processing temperature to conform to a nominal value.