Customized laser beam intensity distribution for the laser surface treatment of geometrically convoluted components.

Graphical abstract Abstract The Laser Surface Hardening Process of real components must achieve a uniform hardened profile to get constant mechanical properties and must deal with the energy distribution in the proximities of geometrical singularities to prevent them from overheating. Classical approaches like the overlapped laser tracks or uniform beams by fixed optical arrangements introduce the problems of annealing and lack dynamic adaptability capability, respectively. The present work uses a galvanometric scanner to get a user-defined laser intensity distribution, by iteratively scan a flat pattern, capable of creating uniform hardened profiles and dynamically adapting in real time to handle geometrical singularities. The experimental setup to obtain it and its characteristics as a function of the scanning frequency of the flat pattern are presented. Experimental results were obtained in crankshafts of automotive engines achieving uniform hardened profiles and good surface finish around the geometrical singularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]