Method and apparatus for surface layer strengthening of a metal

Abstract

The application provides a metal surface layer strengthening processing method and a metal surface layer strengthening processing device. The metal surface layer strengthening processing method comprises the following steps: S100, heating a metal workpiece surface layer; S200, applying an alloying element on the metal workpiece surface layer; S300, applying a solid lubricant on the metal workpiece surface layer; and S400, ultrasonic roll-bonding the metal workpiece surface layer. The application can form a crystalline alloy surface layer by alloying in the molten surface layer of the metal workpiece, thereby increasing the hardness, wear resistance and fatigue strength of the workpiece surface layer, and greatly reducing the friction coefficient and surface roughness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal surface treatment, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for strengthening metal surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] With the deepening exploration of new technologies, many mechanical equipment parts experience wear of 0.2-0.3 mm during engineering applications, leading to their disuse. Surface wear and fatigue failure, in particular, have become significant factors limiting equipment lifespan. Techniques to reduce wear are based on controlling the wear resistance of the surface layer by examining the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical structures of the material itself, the surface material, and the workpiece surface. By controlling the surface properties of the material, a surface layer with significantly improved wear resistance can be obtained. Molecular mechanics friction theory identifies two main pathways to improve material wear resistance: a) increasing the hardness of the friction surface; b) reducing the coefficient of friction of the friction surface. Reducing the coefficient of friction can be achieved by separating the surface layer using liquid, solid, and gaseous lubricants. Currently, laser cladding is mainly used to form a coating on the workpiece surface to improve its appearance. However, laser cladding is costly, requires complex precision control, uses expensive equipment, and suffers from inconsistent workpiece quality after coating.

[0003] Therefore, it is essential to provide a method for forming a stable alloyed surface layer on the surface of a metal workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to provide a method for strengthening the surface of metals.

[0006] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus.

[0007] To achieve the first objective of this invention, embodiments of this invention provide a method for strengthening the surface of a metal, comprising:

[0008] S100. Heating the surface of the metal workpiece;

[0009] S200: Apply alloying elements to the surface of a metal workpiece;

[0010] S300. Apply solid lubricant to the surface of a metal workpiece;

[0011] S400, Ultrasonic rolling is performed on the surface of the metal workpiece.

[0012] This invention heats the surface of a metal workpiece, melting it to a depth of no more than 0.5 mm. Without altering the workpiece's geometry, subsequent ultrasonic treatment further improves the surface quality. A super-surface laser plasma is formed in metal vapor, with the near-surface plasma composed of at least one or more alloying elements. These alloying elements are applied to the molten metal workpiece surface, where alloying occurs to form a crystalline alloy surface. A solid lubricant is then applied to the partially solidified metal surface, and subsequent ultrasonic treatment completes the cooling and crystallization process. In this process, alloying elements are added to the surface of the metal workpiece to form a crystalline alloy surface, which increases the wear resistance of the metal workpiece surface. Solid lubricant is introduced into the surface to form a modified layer with embedded lubricant, which reduces the friction coefficient of the metal workpiece surface. While the ultrasonic waves act on the surface of the metal workpiece being processed, the molten surface does not completely cool and solidify. After cooling under the action of ultrasound, the molten surface will crystallize, eventually forming an alloyed nanocrystalline structure with increased hardness. This increases the surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of the workpiece, and greatly reduces the friction coefficient and surface roughness.

[0013] In addition, the technical solutions provided by the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following technical features:

[0014] In the above technical solution, the heating treatment method is laser heating; and / or inert gas is introduced while performing the S100 operation.

[0015] This invention heats the surface of a metal workpiece by continuous or pulsed laser radiation, causing the surface to melt. During the S100 operation, an inert gas is introduced, and metal vapor is ignited in the inert gas atmosphere to maintain the plasma.

[0016] In any of the above technical solutions, S300 includes:

[0017] S310. Apply solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece;

[0018] S320. Apply a solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece after operation S310.

[0019] The introduction of solid lubricants can effectively improve the performance of metal workpieces and enhance the modification effect. The combined use of two solid lubricants will improve the modification efficiency and make the performance even better.

[0020] In any of the above technical solutions, solid lubricant one is a suspension of graphite and kerosene prepared in a mass ratio of 1:5; solid lubricant two is MoS2 powder.

[0021] The modification effect of using two solid lubricants in combination is better than using only one solid lubricant, especially the effect on the modification of wear resistance. A suspension made of graphite and kerosene in this ratio can achieve good results.

[0022] In any of the above technical solutions, the ultrasonic frequency of ultrasonic rolling is 20000Hz to 30000Hz, the amplitude is 10μm to 50μm, the ultrasonic transmitter pressure is 10N to 100N, and the angle between the ultrasonic transmitter and the metal workpiece is 60° to 90°.

[0023] This invention applies a solid lubricant to the surface of a metal workpiece on a crystalline alloy surface to form a modified layer on the surface of the metal workpiece. This purpose can be achieved by using a relatively small ultrasonic frequency, amplitude, and pressure. Passing through the metal workpiece at a certain angle and tilt can achieve a smoothing effect and reduce roughness.

[0024] To achieve the second objective of this invention, the present invention provides a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus, comprising: a heating device for heating a metal workpiece; an alloying element dispensing device for applying alloying elements to the surface of the metal workpiece; and a solid lubricant dispensing device for applying solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece.

[0025] The surface layer of the metal workpiece; an ultrasonic generator for ultrasonic rolling; and a drive device for moving the metal workpiece within the processing device.

[0026] This invention provides an apparatus for strengthening the surface of metals. The surface of a metal workpiece is heated until it melts, forming a supersurface laser plasma within the metal vapor. This near-surface plasma is composed of at least one or more alloying elements. These alloying elements are applied to the molten surface of the workpiece, where alloying occurs to form a crystalline alloy surface layer. A solid lubricant is then applied to the partially solidified metal surface, followed by ultrasonic treatment to complete cooling and crystallization. During this process, the addition of alloying elements to the crystalline alloy surface layer increases the wear resistance of the metal workpiece surface. The introduction of the solid lubricant creates a modified layer with embedded lubricant, reducing the coefficient of friction. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic waves act on the surface of the workpiece, and because the molten surface layer is not completely solidified, it crystallizes upon cooling under ultrasonic treatment, ultimately forming an alloyed nanocrystalline structure with increased hardness. This increases the surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of the workpiece, while significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and surface roughness.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the heating device includes: a laser heating device, which includes a laser source, an optical head, and a controller. The laser source emits the laser required for laser heating; the optical head heats the metal workpiece at the heating station using the laser; or an ultra-high frequency induction heating device, which includes an ultra-high frequency induction power controller, an ultra-high frequency induction power supply, and an induction coil. The ultra-high frequency induction power supply controller controls the ultra-high frequency induction power supply to release ultra-high frequency current, and the ultra-high frequency power supply generates a magnetic field around the induction coil to heat the surface of the metal workpiece at the heating station; a thermometer, which measures the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece during heating; and a controller, which adjusts the parameters of the laser heating device or the ultra-high frequency heating device according to the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece measured by the thermometer.

[0028] The heating method can be either laser heating or ultra-high frequency induction heating. The laser source emits a laser to the optical head, which heats the metal workpiece at the heating station. Alternatively, the ultra-high frequency induction controller controls the ultra-high frequency induction power supply to release ultra-high frequency current and form a magnetic field around the induction coil to heat the surface of the metal workpiece. A thermometer measures the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece near the heating station and feeds the result back to the controller. The controller adjusts the parameters of the laser or current according to the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece to achieve flexible control of the heating process.

[0029] In any of the above technical solutions, the solid lubricant distribution device includes: a suspension distributor, which applies a suspension to the surface of a metal workpiece; and a powder distributor, which applies MoS2 powder to the surface of a metal workpiece.

[0030] The suspension distributor and powder distributor can respectively apply a suspension of graphite and kerosene and MoS2 powder evenly to the surface of the metal workpiece to enhance lubrication.

[0031] In any of the above technical solutions, the ultrasonic generating device includes: an ultrasonic transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves at the ultrasonic frequency required for ultrasonic rolling; an ultrasonic transmitting head for ultrasonically rolling the surface of a metal workpiece at the ultrasonic rolling station using the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 410; and a telescopic transducer for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitting head.

[0032] The ultrasonic transmitter impacts the surface of the crystalline alloy at a certain angle and pressure. At this time, the surface of the metal workpiece has not completely cooled and solidified. Under the action of ultrasonic waves, cooling and crystallization are completed. The ultrasonic transmitter controls the pressure and amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitter during ultrasonic rolling through a telescopic converter. During this process, solid lubricant is introduced into the surface to form a modified surface with solid lubricating elements. Finally, the surface forms a nanocrystalline structure with increased hardness.

[0033] In any of the above technical solutions, the driving device causes the metal workpiece to pass sequentially through the processing stations corresponding to the heating device, the alloy element distribution device, the solid lubricant distribution device, and the ultrasonic generator, respectively; the speed of the metal workpiece on the driving device is 0.1m / min to 1m / min.

[0034] The metal workpiece is placed on the driving device. During the process of forming the modified surface layer, the metal workpiece is sent to each corresponding processing station in sequence at a uniform speed by the driving device. Finally, the modified surface layer is formed on its surface. When the driving device drives the metal workpiece to move at this speed, the metal workpiece can complete the corresponding processing steps at each station and achieve better results.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: an alloyed surface layer is formed on the workpiece material, increasing wear resistance and microhardness by 20% to 25%; solid lubricant is introduced into the surface layer to form a modified surface layer with solid lubrication elements; and regular micro-reliefs are formed on the surface layer, reducing roughness by 10% to 15% and reducing the coefficient of friction by 1.5 to 2 times. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps of a metal surface strengthening process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 10-Metal surface strengthening processing device; 100-Heating device; 110-Laser source; 111-Laser energy center; 112-Plasma; 120-Optical head; 121-Alloying mode controller; 130-Ultra-high frequency induction power supply controller; 140-Ultra-high frequency induction power supply; 150-Induction coil; 160-Thermometer; 170-Controller; 200-Alloy element distribution device; 21-Alloy surface; 300-Solid lubricant distribution device; 310-Suspension distributor; 320-Powder distributor; 400-Ultrasonic generating device; 410-Ultrasonic generator; 420-Ultrasonic transmitting head; 430-Extension converter; 20-Metal workpiece; 22-Molten liquid. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0042] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the following description is provided in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0044]

Example 1

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for strengthening the surface of a metal, the method comprising:

[0046] S100. Heating the surface of the metal workpiece;

[0047] S200: Apply alloying elements to the surface of a metal workpiece;

[0048] S300. Apply solid lubricant to the surface of a metal workpiece;

[0049] S400, Ultrasonic rolling is performed on the surface of the metal workpiece.

[0050] In existing technologies, laser cladding is mainly used to form a coating on the surface of a workpiece to improve its appearance. However, laser cladding is costly, requires complex precision control, uses expensive equipment, and results in inconsistent workpiece quality after coating.

[0051] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide the above-mentioned metal surface strengthening processing method, which forms an alloy surface layer with superior nanostructure on the surface of the metal workpiece. Compared with the prior art, the formation of an alloyed surface layer on the workpiece material increases wear resistance and microhardness by 20% to 25%. Introducing a solid lubricant into the surface layer forms a modified surface layer with solid lubrication elements, and forming regular micro-reliefs on the surface layer reduces roughness by 10% to 15% and the coefficient of friction by 1.5 to 2 times.

[0052] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal surface strengthening processing method. By applying alloying elements to the surface of a molten metal workpiece and introducing a solid lubricant into the surface of the metal workpiece, a modified layer with a nanostructure is finally formed on the surface of the metal workpiece, thereby improving the hardness, wear resistance and other properties of the metal workpiece.

[0053] Specifically, this invention fixes a metal workpiece on a worktable, and emits a laser beam that radiates onto the surface of the metal workpiece, heating the surface to a molten state and forming a molten liquid metal on the surface. Metal vapor is ignited and maintains the surface laser discharge plasma. To maintain the plasma, the laser beam is focused on the surface being processed. The energy center of the plasma relative to the geometric position ΔF of the surface being processed is 0 < ΔF < D / 2, where D is the diameter of the surface laser plasma in the metal vapor. When ΔF < 0, the optical array plasma in the metal vapor may extinguish or transform into erosion plasma; when ΔF > D / 2, the laser plasma does not interact with the surface being processed. Under the continuous influence of laser radiation and surface plasma, the surface of the metal workpiece is rapidly heated and melted. Alloying elements are delivered to the plasma in contact with the molten liquid surface through an alloying element distribution device. This increases the surface hardness and wear resistance while ensuring the surface precision of the workpiece. Subsequent ultrasonic treatment further improves the surface quality. In plasma, ions and atoms of alloying elements are deposited on the surface of the metal workpiece through diffusion, convection, and thermocapillary conduction. This leads to alloying within the molten liquid on the workpiece's surface, forming a crystalline alloy layer. However, the molten liquid on the workpiece's surface does not completely cool and solidify at this stage; cooling and solidification are completed under subsequent ultrasonic treatment. After the workpiece moves to a certain position, a solid lubricant is applied to the incompletely solidified alloy layer using a solid lubricant distribution device. Then, ultrasonic impact on the surface ultimately forms a nanostructured alloy layer on the metal workpiece's surface.

[0054] It should be noted that the surface laser plasma is ignited in any known manner, preferably with a laser beam in metal vapor; those skilled in the art can select the type of alloying element according to actual needs, for example, one or more of nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, magnesium alloys, and copper alloys.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating treatment is laser heating; and / or a protective gas is introduced while performing the S100 operation. Preferably, the surface of the metal workpiece is heated by continuous or pulsed laser radiation to melt the surface of the metal workpiece. During the S100 operation, an inert gas such as argon is introduced, and in the inert gas atmosphere, metal vapor is ignited to maintain the plasma.

[0056] It should be noted that the laser heats the surface of the metal workpiece by means of continuous or pulsed radiation, and the alloying temperature should be set by a person skilled in the art based on the material of the metal workpiece used.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, S300 includes:

[0058] S310. Apply solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece;

[0059] S320. Apply a solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece after operation S310.

[0060] Preferably, the introduction of solid lubricants can effectively improve the performance of metal workpieces and enhance the modification effect. The combined use of two solid lubricants will improve the modification efficiency, improve performance, and extend service life.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, solid lubricant one is a suspension of graphite and kerosene in a mass ratio of 1:5; solid lubricant two is MoS2 powder.

[0062] Preferably, the modification effect of using two solid lubricants in combination is better than using only one solid lubricant. The suspension prepared with graphite and kerosene in this ratio can achieve better results. After applying the suspension of graphite and kerosene, MoS2 powder is applied to further improve the lubricity.

[0063] It should be noted that the order in which the suspension of graphite and kerosene and the MoS2 powder are applied can be interchanged, or the MoS2 powder can be added to the suspension of graphite and kerosene and mixed thoroughly before application. The MoS2 powder can be replaced with other solid lubricants. For example, any one or more of tungsten disulfide, molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, flake graphite, graphene, and fluorinated graphite can be selected.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic frequency of ultrasonic rolling is 20000Hz to 30000Hz, the amplitude is 10μm to 50μm, the ultrasonic transmitter pressure is 10N to 100N, and the angle between the ultrasonic transmitter and the metal workpiece is 60° to 90°.

[0065] Preferably, the present invention applies a solid lubricant to the surface of a metal workpiece on a hardened structure to form a modified layer on the surface of the metal workpiece. This purpose can be achieved by using a relatively small ultrasonic frequency, amplitude, and pressure. Passing through the metal workpiece at a certain angle and inclination can achieve a smoothing effect and reduce roughness.

[0066] It should be noted that heating is not performed simultaneously during ultrasonic rolling. This ensures the maximum lubrication effect of the solid lubricant. Heating will greatly reduce the lubricity of the solid lubricant, and it may even lose its lubricity if the temperature is too high.

[0067]

Example 2

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus 10, comprising: a heating device 100 for heating a metal workpiece 20; a metal element dispensing device 200 for applying alloying elements to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; a solid lubricant dispensing device 300 for applying solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; an ultrasonic generator 400 for ultrasonic rolling; and a driving device for driving the metal workpiece 20 to move within the processing apparatus.

[0069] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus to implement the above-mentioned metal surface strengthening processing method, for performing metal surface strengthening processing.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device 100 includes: a laser source 110 for emitting laser light required for laser heating; an optical head 120 for heating the metal workpiece 20 at the laser heating station; a thermometer 160 for measuring the temperature of the surface layer of the metal workpiece 20 during laser heating; and a controller 170 for adjusting the frequency of the laser source 110 based on the temperature of the surface layer of the metal workpiece 20 measured by the thermometer 160.

[0071] Preferably, the optical head 120 can emit the laser emitted by the laser source 110 to the surface of the metal workpiece 20 at the heating station, causing the surface of the metal workpiece 20 to melt and form molten liquid 22. The laser energy center 111 formed by the laser emitted by the laser source 110 is surrounded by plasma 112. The thermometer 160 is located at the bottom of the optical head 120 near the metal workpiece 20. The temperature sensing element in the thermometer 160 is positioned towards the worktable. The thermometer 160 feeds back the temperature measurement result to the controller 170 through signal transmission. The controller 170 controls the power and other parameters of the laser emitted by the laser source 110 to achieve flexible temperature control during the heating process.

[0072] It should be noted that the melting temperature is set by the alloying mode controller 121. The alloying mode controller 121 and the controller 170 work together to control parameters such as laser power. The melting temperature is set by those skilled in the art based on the actual material used. For example, the melting temperature of copper is 1082.4℃, that of brass is 950℃, that of aluminum is 658℃, and that of zinc is 473℃. This temperature can be set in the alloying mode controller 121.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solid lubricant dispensing device 300 includes: a suspension distributor 310, which applies a suspension to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; and a powder distributor 320, which applies MoS2 powder to the surface of the metal workpiece.

[0074] Preferably, both the suspension distributor 310 and the powder distributor 320 have a dispensing port at their bottom. The suspension is placed in the suspension distributor 310, and the MoS2 powder is placed in the powder distributor 320. The suspension and MoS2 powder are evenly distributed onto the heated and hardened structure through the dispensing ports. When applying the suspension, a thrust in the F1 direction is applied to the suspension distributor 210, and the suspension is pushed out of the suspension distributor 210 under the action of the thrust, thereby being applied to the hardened area 22 on the surface of the metal workpiece 20. When applying the MoS2 powder, a thrust in the F2 direction is applied to the powder distributor 220, and the MoS2 powder is pushed out of the powder distributor 220 under the action of the thrust, thereby being applied to the hardened area 22 on the surface of the metal workpiece 20.

[0075] For example, the dispensing port can be a spray dispensing port, a coating dispensing port, or other types of dispensing ports, which apply the suspension or MoS2 powder to the hardened structure by spraying, coating, or other methods; the dispensing ports of the suspension dispenser 210 and the powder dispenser 220 can be of the same type or different types.

[0076] It should be noted that since the order in which the graphite and kerosene suspension and MoS2 powder are applied can be interchanged, the positions of the suspension distributor 210 and the powder distributor 220 can also be exchanged. When MoS2 powder is added to the graphite and kerosene suspension and mixed, and then applied simultaneously, only one solid lubricant distribution device is needed.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic generator 400 includes: an ultrasonic transmitter 410 for emitting ultrasonic waves at the ultrasonic frequency required for ultrasonic rolling; an ultrasonic transmitter 420 for ultrasonically rolling the surface of the metal workpiece 20 at the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 410 in the ultrasonic rolling station; and a telescopic converter 430 for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitter 420.

[0078] Preferably, the ultrasonic transmitter 410 emits ultrasonic waves of a certain frequency for ultrasonic rolling. The pressure and amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitter 420 during ultrasonic rolling are controlled by the telescoping converter 430. The telescoping converter 430 applies pressure to the surface of the metal workpiece 20 in the direction of Pcm. During this process, the introduced solid lubricant is pressed onto the surface to form a modified surface with solid lubricating elements. Finally, the surface forms a nanocrystalline structure with increased hardness and a regular micro-relief.

[0079] Preferably, the ultrasonic transmitter 420, mounted on the magnetostrictive transducer 430, impacts the surface layer of the hardened region 122 of the metal workpiece. At this time, the ultrasonic generator 420 produces ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 20000Hz to 30000Hz and an amplitude of 10μm to 50μm. The ultrasonic transmitter 15 presses against the alloy surface layer 210 of the metal workpiece 20 with a force of 10N to 100N. The ultrasonic transmitter 420 can be positioned at an angle of 60° to 90° to the surface being processed, opposite to the feed direction of the workpiece. This tilt can achieve a smooth surface effect, reducing the roughness Ra to 0.05μm to 0.5μm. While the ultrasonic waves act on the processed surface, the molten liquid does not completely cool and solidify. Under the action of ultrasound, the molten liquid cools and crystallizes, ultimately forming an alloyed nanocrystalline structure with increased hardness. This increases the surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength of the workpiece; and significantly reduces the coefficient of friction and surface roughness.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving device 400 causes the metal workpiece 20 to pass sequentially through processing stations corresponding to the heating device 100, the alloy element distribution device 200, the solid lubricant distribution device 300, and the ultrasonic generator 400, respectively; the speed of the metal workpiece 20 moving on the driving device is 0.1 m / min to 1 m / min.

[0081] Preferably, the metal workpiece 20 is placed on the driving device, and the driving device drives the metal workpiece 20 to move along the S direction. During the process of forming the modified surface layer, the metal workpiece 20 is sent to each corresponding processing station in sequence by the driving device at a uniform speed, and finally a modified surface layer is formed on its surface. When the driving device drives the metal workpiece 20 to move at this speed, the metal workpiece 20 can complete the corresponding processing steps at each station and achieve better results.

[0082]

Example 3

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides a metal surface strengthening processing apparatus 10, comprising: a heating device 100 for heating a metal workpiece 20; a metal element dispensing device 200 for applying alloying elements to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; a solid lubricant dispensing device 300 for applying solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; an ultrasonic generator 400 for ultrasonic rolling; and a driving device 20 for driving the metal workpiece 20 to move within the processing apparatus.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device 100 includes: an ultra-high frequency induction power controller 130 for controlling ultra-high frequency induction heating; an ultra-high frequency induction power supply 140 for releasing ultra-high frequency current under the control of the ultra-high frequency induction power supply controller 130; an induction coil 150, the ultra-high frequency power released by the ultra-high frequency induction power supply 150 generating a magnetic field around the induction coil 150 to heat the surface of the metal workpiece 20; a thermometer 160 for measuring the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece 20 during ultra-high frequency induction heating; and a controller 170 for adjusting the ultra-high frequency induction power supply controller 130 according to the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece 20 measured by the thermometer 160 to control the release of ultra-high frequency current.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solid lubricant dispensing device 300 includes: a suspension distributor 310, which applies a suspension to the surface of the metal workpiece 20; and a powder distributor 320, which applies MoS2 powder to the surface of the metal workpiece.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic generator 400 includes: an ultrasonic transmitter 410 for emitting ultrasonic waves at the ultrasonic frequency required for ultrasonic rolling; an ultrasonic transmitter 420 for ultrasonically rolling the surface of the metal workpiece 20 at the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 410 in the ultrasonic rolling station; and a telescopic converter 430 for controlling the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitter 420.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving device 400 causes the metal workpiece 20 to pass sequentially through processing stations corresponding to the heating device 100, the alloy element distribution device 200, the solid lubricant distribution device 300, and the ultrasonic generator 400, respectively; the speed of the metal workpiece 20 moving on the driving device is 0.1 m / min to 1 m / min.

[0088] In this embodiment, induction heating is employed. The ultra-high frequency induction power supply 160 is controlled by the ultra-high frequency induction power controller 150 to release ultra-high frequency current. The ultra-high frequency current generates a magnetic field near the induction coil 150, which is made of copper. Under the action of the magnetic field, a molten layer can be quickly formed on the surface of the metal workpiece 20. The molten layer does not exceed 0.5 mm. Alloying elements are introduced into the molten layer to form a crystalline alloy surface layer. Then, a solid lubricant is applied to the surface of the metal workpiece 20 that has not been completely cooled and solidified. Cooling and crystallization are completed under the action of subsequent ultrasonic waves, further improving the surface quality of the metal workpiece 20.

[0089] In summary, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: by heating the surface of the metal workpiece to form a molten layer, introducing alloying elements into the molten layer to form a crystalline alloy surface layer, then introducing a solid lubricant, and finally forming a nanostructured alloyed surface layer on the surface of the metal workpiece through ultrasonic rolling, a modified surface layer with excellent performance is ultimately achieved on the surface of the metal workpiece. Furthermore, the laser heating and ultrasonic rolling are performed separately, effectively preserving the lubricity of the solid lubricant.

[0090] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0091] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for strengthening the surface of a metal, characterized in that, include: S100. Heating the surface of the metal workpiece; S200, Apply alloying elements to the surface layer of the metal workpiece; S300. Apply solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece that has not completely cooled and solidified; S400. The surface of the metal workpiece is ultrasonically rolled without heating during the ultrasonic rolling process.

2. The processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating method is laser heating; and / or An inert gas is introduced while performing the S100 and S200 operations.

3. The processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, S200 includes: S210. Apply a solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece. S220. Apply a solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece after the operation in S210.

4. The processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solid lubricant is a suspension of graphite and kerosene in a mass ratio of 1:

5. The second solid lubricant is MoS2 powder.

5. The processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic rolling process uses an ultrasonic frequency of 20,000 Hz to 30,000 Hz, an amplitude of 10 μm to 50 μm, an ultrasonic transmitter head pressure of 10 N to 100 N, and an angle of 60° to 90° between the ultrasonic transmitter head and the metal workpiece.

6. A metal surface strengthening processing apparatus (10), characterized in that, include: A heating device (100) is used to heat a metal workpiece (20); Alloy element dispensing device (200) for applying alloy elements to the surface of the metal workpiece (20); A solid lubricant dispensing device (300) is used to apply solid lubricant to the surface of the metal workpiece (20); An ultrasonic generator (400) is used for ultrasonic rolling. A driving device is used to drive the metal workpiece (20) to move in the processing device; the driving device causes the metal workpiece (20) to pass sequentially through processing stations corresponding to the heating device (100), the alloy element distribution device (200), the solid lubricant distribution device (300) and the ultrasonic generator (400), respectively. The ultrasonic generator (400) includes an ultrasonic transmitter (420), the angle between the ultrasonic transmitter (420) and the metal workpiece being 60° to 90°.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating device (100) includes: A laser heating device, comprising a laser source (110) and an optical head (120), wherein the laser source (110) is used to emit laser light required for laser heating; and the optical head (120) heats the metal workpiece (20) at the heating station when the laser light is emitted. A thermometer (160) is used to measure the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece (20) during heating; The controller (170) adjusts the parameters of the laser heating device according to the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece measured by the thermometer (160).

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating device (100) includes: The ultra-high frequency induction heating device includes an ultra-high frequency induction power controller (130), an ultra-high frequency induction power supply (140), and an induction coil (150). The ultra-high frequency induction power controller (130) controls the ultra-high frequency induction power supply (140) to release ultra-high frequency current. The ultra-high frequency power supply generates a magnetic field around the induction coil (150) to heat the surface of the metal workpiece (20) at the heating station. A thermometer (160) is used to measure the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece (20) during heating; A controller (170) adjusts the parameters of the ultra-high frequency induction heating device based on the temperature of the surface of the metal workpiece measured by the thermometer (160).

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The solid lubricant dispensing device (300) includes: A suspension distributor (310) applies a suspension to the surface of the metal workpiece (20); A powder dispenser (320) applies MoS2 powder to the surface of the metal workpiece (20).

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generator (400) includes: An ultrasonic transmitter (410) is used to emit ultrasonic waves at the ultrasonic frequency required for the ultrasonic rolling process. An ultrasonic transmitter (420) is used to perform ultrasonic rolling on the surface of the metal workpiece (20) at an ultrasonic rolling station using the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter (410). A telescoping converter (430) controls the amplitude of the ultrasonic transmitter (420).

11. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The metal workpiece (20) moves at a speed of 0.1 m / min to 1 m / min on the drive device.

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