Method for producing alloyed bands or strips on pistons for internal combustion engines
AssigneeThe University of Tennessee Research Corporation
InventorsFrederick A. Schwartz, Mary Helen McCay, T. Dwayne McCay, Narendra B. Dahotre, John Brice Bible, John A. Hopkins
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Abstract
This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce alloyed bands or strips on the surface of a piston for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to produce superior wear resistant properties for an aluminum internal combustion engine piston.
Claims15
A method for producing alloyed strips on an aluminum internal combustion engine piston comprising:
- a. applying a precursor comprising a binder and metallic or ceramic powder comprising chromium to the surface of an aluminum piston, said precursor layer having a thickness in the range of 50-100 microns;
- and
- b. irradiating the piston surface with a laser beam having a rectangular cross sectional area at a sufficient energy level and for a sufficient time to produce an alloyed layer on the surface of said piston having enhanced wear characteristics, said irradiating occurring while the piston and the laser beam are moved relative to each other.
A method for producing alloyed strips on an aluminum internal combustion engine piston comprising:
- a. applying a precursor comprising a binder and metallic or ceramic powder comprising chromium to the surface of an aluminum piston, said precursor layer having a thickness in the range of 50-100 microns;
- b. irradiating the piston surface with a laser beam having a rectanglar cross sectional area at a sufficient energy level and for a sufficient time to produce an alloyed layer on the surface of said piston having enhanced wear characteristics, said irradiating occurring while the piston and the laser beam are moved relative to each other at a translation rate in the range of 1500-3000 millimeters per minute;
- and
- c. directing a shielding gas at the region of the surface being irradiated.
A method for producing alloyed strips on an aluminum internal combustion engine piston comprising:
- a. applying a precursor comprising a binder and metallic or ceramic powder comprising chromium to the surface of an aluminum piston, said precursor layer having a thickness in the range of 50-100 microns;
- b. irradiating the piston surface with a laser beam having a rectangular cross sectional area at a sufficient energy level and for a sufficient time to produce an alloyed layer on the surface of said piston having enhanced wear characteristics, said irradiating occurring while the piston and the laser beam are moved relative to each other;
- and
- c. directing argon or nitrogen gas at the region of the surface being irradiated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.