Laser hardeningLaser hardening

Laser Hardening

Laser hardening is an advanced surface heat treatment process that significantly extends operational life of critical components. A focused laser beam rapidly heats specific contact areas above the phase transformation point, inducing self-quenching through heat conduction into the bulk metal. This creates a durable martensitic surface structure with exceptional hardness and wear resistance. 

Up to 10 times

less thermal
deformation

Over x2

hardness
increased

Up to x5

component
lifespan extended

Up to 10 times

less thermal
deformation

Over x2

hardness
increased

Up to x5

component
lifespan extended

In the Oil&Gas sector, laser hardening reinforces high-load areas including drilling winch gears, cam mechanisms, drill pipe threaded connections, pump and compressor shafts, and internal pipe surfaces subjected to abrasive wear. This technology improves component wear resistance and reliability while minimizing maintenance downtime for critical infrastructure.

Use Cases

Laser hardening of a cam mechanism
Laser hardening of a coupling
Thermal hardening of drill pipe threads
Laser hardening of alloy steel camshaft lobes for improved wear resistance
Laser hardening of large shaft journals for enhanced wear resistance
Valve seat laser cladding

Advantages

Zero Distortion

The process is highly localized, treating only the required functional surfaces while keeping the rest of the component cool. This eliminates thermal warping ("leading") and removes the need for post-process machining.

Complex Geometry Processing

Unlike induction hardening, laser technology utilizes specialized optical heads to treat hard-to-reach areas, including inner cylindrical surfaces, internal threads, and thin-walled components, without risking structural damage.

Superior Metallurgy

The rapid self-quenching effect produces a fine-grained microstructure that maximizes hardness and durability.

Automation & Repeatability

Fully controlled by CNC systems and robotics, the process ensures clean, consistent, and high-quality results every time.

Applications

Drill Pipe Threads (Tool Joints): Hardening of threaded connections to prevent galling and adhesive wear during frequent make-up/break-up cycles.
Drill Pipe Threads (Tool Joints): Hardening of threaded connections to prevent galling and adhesive wear during frequent make-up/break-up cycles.
Winch Gears & Drive Systems: Surface hardening of heavy-duty gears in drawworks (drilling winches) to withstand extreme loads and fatigue.
Winch Gears & Drive Systems: Surface hardening of heavy-duty gears in drawworks (drilling winches) to withstand extreme loads and fatigue.
Pump Shafts & Plungers: Improving wear resistance on sealing surfaces and journals without causing thermal distortion.
Pump Shafts & Plungers: Improving wear resistance on sealing surfaces and journals without causing thermal distortion.
Compressor Rotors: Hardening of specific high-stress areas to resist fatigue and erosion.
Compressor Rotors: Hardening of specific high-stress areas to resist fatigue and erosion.
Valve Seats & Gates: Precise hardening of contact sealing surfaces in gate and ball valves to prevent erosion and scratching from abrasive fluids (sand/slurry).
Valve Seats & Gates: Precise hardening of contact sealing surfaces in gate and ball valves to prevent erosion and scratching from abrasive fluids (sand/slurry).
Cam Mechanisms: Hardening of actuating cams in downhole tools for extended operational life.
Cam Mechanisms: Hardening of actuating cams in downhole tools for extended operational life.
Internal Pipe Surfaces: Hardening the inner diameter (ID) of pipes carrying abrasive slurry using specialized optical heads, significantly extending erosion resistance.
Internal Pipe Surfaces: Hardening the inner diameter (ID) of pipes carrying abrasive slurry using specialized optical heads, significantly extending erosion resistance.
Thermal hardening of threads, shafts, gears
Thermal hardening of threads, shafts, gears