US 12,233,479 B2
Methods of enhancing surface hardness of quench-sensitive age-hardening materials, alloys produced therefrom, and laser cladding systems therefor
Yung Shin, West Lafayette, IN (US); and Corbin Grohol, Lafayette, IN (US)
Assigned to Purdue Research Foundation, West Lafayette, IN (US)
Filed by Purdue Research Foundation, West Lafayette, IN (US)
Filed on Aug. 22, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/893,049.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/237,118, filed on Aug. 25, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0356329 A1, Nov. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. B23K 26/342 (2014.01); B23K 26/14 (2014.01); C22F 1/00 (2006.01); C22F 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 26/342 (2015.10) [B23K 26/1464 (2013.01); C22F 1/002 (2013.01); C22F 1/04 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of increasing surface hardness of a quench-sensitive age-hardening material without material deposition to improve the hardness of an existing surface of the quench-sensitive age-hardening material, the method comprising:
providing a workpiece made of quench-sensitive age hardening material;
providing a heat source for heating the workpiece and a cryogenic nozzle for delivery of a cryogenic quenching fluid;
without material deposition on an existing surface of the workpiece, scanning the existing surface of the workpiece with the heat source; and
quenching the existing surface of the workpiece with a spray of the cryogenic quenching fluid from the cryogenic nozzle, wherein the spray of the cryogenic quenching fluid immediately follows the heat source and quenches the workpiece;
wherein the method results in a surface hardness of the existing surface that is higher than can be achieved without the spray of the cryogenic quenching fluid.