Surface transformation of AISI 304 stainless steel by high power diode laser

A high power diode laser was used in continuous mode to irradiate milled AISI 304 substrates in order to modify their surface morphology. Milling of the steel substrates was operated at different feeds, thus allowing the achievement of a broad range of starting surface texture, characterized by average roughness of similar to 0.65-1.5 mu m. Laser finishing was then operated on them by varying laser power and scan speed. The effectiveness of the laser finishing was evaluated by 3D surface profilometry and SEM imaging. Laser was found to modify the surface morphology of the irradiated zones and achieve high quality surface textures. Further, consistent trends of the amplitude, spacing and hybrid roughness parameters according to laser operational settings can often be found. Finally, mapping of the experimental data can lead to the definition of a first approximation tool, which can be profitably used for simulation and process control. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.