Finding Optimal Modes of Laser Hardening of GCr15 Bearing Steel

The study investigates laser hardening of GCr15 bearing steel with the aim to determine the optimal machining modes. The parameters of laser hardening selected as significant for these purposes are laser power and machining speed. The search for optimal values of machining parameters that would result in the best possible values of the depth and width of the laser effect area, hardness, and surface roughness without surface melting is based on a second-order orthogonal central composite design. Assessment of workpiece surface melting is based on laser fluence. Regression equations and equal response surface contour plots are obtained using Design Expert 13 software. The results are interpreted using the ANOVA analysis of variance module.