Quenching of Р6М5 High-Speed Steel by a Yb:YAG CW Laser

The quenching of annealed Р6М5 high-speed steel by a constant-action ytterbium fiber laser (a Yb:YAG CW laser) is studied. The optimal conditions for laser quenching of Р6М5 high-speed steel are found to be as follows: laser-spot diameter 2 mm; speed 0.4 cm/s; and power density 10 kW/cm2. In those conditions, Р6М5 high-speed steel is quenched to hardness 58–60 HRC.