ANALYSIS OF THE SELECTED PROPERTIES OF THE SURFACE LAYER OF ALUMINUM ALLOY 2024 AFTER LASER BEAM IMPACT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

ABSTRACT

In the case of the production of many metal products, some processing technologies are associated with outdated methods of processing. These methods often require consumption of energy and water, sometimes they cause environmental pollution. Non-durable products generate waste. Often surface changes of materials, such as corrosion, may also generate emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. The article describes the laser treatment, which is now a modern way to fulfil many technological operations. By the laser beam metals can be cut, welded, made holes, hardened, covered with coatings. The surface layer of metals can be improved by the impact of a laser beam at a specific power and frequency. At the same time, laser beam treatment is treated as a modern and environmentally friendly production method. Modern power generators do not require enormous energy. Due to the concentration of the beam and the effective use of the laser-tool, you can in many cases avoid the waste or emission of toxic substances. The paper describes the usage of a fiber laser to constitute a specific state of the surface layer of aluminum alloy 2024. Based on the conducted experiment, the effects of the laser influence on the state of stress, surface free energy, roughness and geometrical structure of the material surface are presented. These properties can be useful for coating operations or adhesive bonding. Such tests are necessary for production purposes, if older technologies are replaced with new ones and the effects may be unknown (new method, new metal alloys, etc.). In the case study, laser beam treatment allows elimination of older methods, involving the use of chemical substances, which both the fumes and the waste after them are negative for the environment.

Keywords: fiber laser, surface layer, roughness, stress, surface free energy