Outlooks in laser work hardening for characteristics increase of parts obtained by selective laser melting

The paper deals with the development of a new hybrid technology – 3D laser work hardening which consists in the integration of laser shock treatment (laser work hardening) into the process of selective laser melting. The technology offered will allow obtaining an area of compressing residual stresses in a near surface layer and achieving the improvement of mechanical and fatigue properties of parts manufactured. In this paper the aluminum alloy samples were processed with laser work hardening with the use of uncommon absorbing and transparent layers (foil and glass) which are necessary for the introduction selective laser melting in a plant. Modes of laser work hardening were also investigated which may be used in the hybrid technology offered.