Abstract: The microstructure of the laser melted 1.0%C tool steel have been investigated.The region affected by the laser can be subdivided into 3 zones,which consist of a melted region at the surface,a zone with solid state transformation and the area adjacent to the unaffected substrate where cementite is slightly dissolved.The melted zone possessed a cellular growth morphology consisting of austenite and martensite.The carbon content of the austenite was measured to be over 1 wt-%.A great deal of retained austenite and twinned martensite were found in the first two zones(the melted and solid transformed).

Key words: laser process, microstructure, melted zones