Aiming for Improved Lifetime of Die and Mold Components through an Integrated Laser Hardening Operation, Combining Machining and a Selective Heat Treatment in One Setup

摘要

The growing use of fiber reinforced plastics in injection molding greatly reduces the lifetime of components in dies and molds. In this research, injection nozzles are machined within one set-up, combining machining and selective laser hardening operation. This allows the machining and hardening of die and mold components in one single setup. A thermal model is developed and experimentally validated in order to be able to select optimal hardening parameters and strategy. Hardness values exceeding conventional hardening techniques on tool steel are presented, aiming for a prolonged lifetime of dies and molds.