Laser surface melting

Laser applications to glazing are discussed. Unlike other methods of producing amorphous metals, laser surface melting offers the possibility of covering compact metals with an amorphous layer, which if the appropriate composition is chosen can provide excellent protection against corrosion. The thermal and kinetic principles of solidification were studied. Simulation programs enable correlations between the relevant parameters in rapid solution and those for laser control to be made. Based on these criteria different laser equipments were tested. Corrosion experiments were used to ascertain suitable compositions. Various techniques were developed and tested for coatings suitable for subsequent laser melting. Surface melting was carried out with various CO2 lasers. Considerable improvement is observed for melting with a Nd-YAG (Q switched) laser.