Experimental investigation of the nanosecond laser polishing of tool steel SKD61

This study explores the polishing of SKD61 steel surfaces using a fiber laser operating in a nanosecond pulse mode. Unlike the continuous laser polishing method, which creates a new surface by forming large molten zones, the pulsed laser technique vaporizes a thin layer of material from the surface. However, this approach requires precise control of the operational parameters to prevent damage to the substrate layer from residual radiation. The primary technological parameters of the laser source that influence polishing efficiency were examined experimentally. Efficiency and surface quality were assessed through the surface roughness reduction ratio. The results indicated that the roughness reduction ratio for the SKD61 steel using a nanosecond could reach approximately 70%.