Laser Modified Thin Layers in Piston Rings

The new engine developments are providing engine mechanical and thermal loads increase on the components. Besides the unfavorable wear conditions, the components should provide similar or improved performance compared with current baselines. For piston rings, the performance is given by the ring capacity of sealing and scrapping. These performances can be measured in an engine using the results of lube oil consumption and blow-by. The main intention of this work is to provide support for new piston rings developments by laser hardening parameters optimization, reducing the wear degradation. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of laser hardening on contact surface from the second ring and verify the microstructure modification and rings shape distortion due to heat input. The results indicate that the laser parameters can be tailored in order to achieve adequate macrostructures and micro constituents distribution. The ring ovality was inside to acceptable levels.