Laser hardening stainless steel - GIF

Laser hardening stainless steel.

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Previously:

https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...895#post223891
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...485#post231448
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...609#post225589
https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/...430#post224892

Doesn't there need to be quench to make the hardening? Just heating metal usually anneals (softens metal).

guess that's a rimfire barrel?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

Doesn't there need to be quench to make the hardening? Just heating metal usually anneals (softens metal).

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I am sure someone more knowledgeable will chime in, but I know stainless work hardens easily, so perhaps the heating (and cooling from the mass of material) is causing the hardening.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

Doesn't there need to be quench to make the hardening? Just heating metal usually anneals (softens metal).

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The mass of steel below the heated portion is what replaces the quench. There's only 1-2mm of heat affected zone, and cold steel below it. The heat just conducts down into the cold steel and halts the grain growth.