Page 1 - Laserline-Case-Study-Hardening-a-hoisting-drum

Hardening a Hoisting Drum

Task Result

MATEX PM, a company based in Plzen (Pilsen) in the The advantage of this system over the induction method is
Czech Republic, markets job-shop solutions for various that it is capable of attaining the required hardness of 60
metal applications using diode lasers. A hoisting drum to 62 HRC and causes much less component distortion.
subject to high levels of wear and massive loading on the With a maximum laser power of 3.5 kW and typical feed
cable running surfaces is a major risk factor in mining rates of 100 to 400 mm/min, the hardening process is
machinery and power station installations. MATEX worked controlled by a pyrometer regulating the temperature.
with Laserline to find a solution that would minimize drum
wear in operation. The cast-iron hoisting drum is two
meters in diameter and weighs about 2,500 kilograms. It is
an expensive single component.
Procedure

The hoisting drum was first hardened by a conventional
induction method. When that method failed to deliver the
required hardness of >60 HRC, a 3500 W diode laser was
deployed. The LDF 3500-60 laser model chosen is Material: EN JS 2060 (GGG60), cast iron
compact, light and mobile. The system is used to carry Task: Harden the cable running surfaces with low distortion
out hardening in conjunction with a robot. A rectangular, Laser: LDF 3500-60
square or circular focus can be applied depending on the Optic: Homogenizer optic, 2 inch, rectangular focus
specific requirements and the component geometry. In
this case a homogenizer was used to create a rectangular Parameters: Feed rate approximately 400 mm/min
focus with focal lengths between 150 and 500 mm. Result: Hardness results 60 to 62 HRC, much less
distortion than with induction hardening

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