Microstructural changes of Nimonic-263 superalloy caused by laser beam action

Pulsed laser treatments induce changes in the microstructure of materials. We have exposed the Nimonic-263 superalloy to pulsed laser beams of various repetition rates and wavelengths and investigated the changes in microstructure and microhardness. Two types of laser treatment of the material surface occurred: mechanical and thermomechanical. The microstructure changes have been comparatively analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energo-dispersive spectrometry. The grain size was measured before and after the treatment and microhardness tests were performed. These investigations aim to contribute to the study of the level of improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties because of the interaction with laser beams.