Search for optimal parameters for laser hardening of GCr15 bearing steel

The article presents the results of an industrial experiment carried out in the form of a full-factorial experiment with two factors corresponding to the main parameters of the laser hardening mode of GCr15 bearing steel - temperature on the surface of the sample and processing speed. Based on the results of a full-factorial experiment, regression equations were obtained - the dependence of the depth and width of the laser impact zone, surface hardness on temperature and processing speed. Contour curves of the surface of equal response were also constructed and a search was made for the optimal parameters of the laser hardening mode, providing maximum values of the depth and width of the laser impact zone and surface hardness. It was found that the maximum values of these parameters are provided under the following laser hardening modes: temperature in the range of 1470–1500 °C, processing speed 5–10 mm/s.