Applications of Laser Surface Treatment in Gears: A Review
Bowen Zhang, Linlin Sun, Ning Zhao, Jinran Li
Abstract
Laser surface treatment (LST) presents notable advantages such as the flexibility to process complex shapes, high material adhesion, and small heat-affected zone. The ongoing development and widespread adoption of LST have underscored its exceptional utility in gear surface modification. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the applications and simulations of prevalent LST techniques in gear surface modification, encompassing laser quenching, laser surface remelting, laser shock peening, laser surface alloying, laser cladding, laser texturing, and hybrid processes. This review systematically analyzes the published literature regarding LST applied to gears or gear materials. It concisely summarizes essential process parameters and their influence on the post-LST surface performance of gears and investigates how LST-induced alterations in the micro-geometric morphology of gear surfaces affect their overall performance. Beyond presenting the latest advancements in LST application to gears, this review is oriented toward providing guidance for future research in this specialized field.