The laser hardening was carried out for QT600-3 nodular cast iron using TJ-HL-T5000 laser. The hardened depth and the hardness distribution in cross-section of the hardened layer were tested and microstructure in the hardened layer was observed and analyzed. The results show that the microstructure in the hardened layer becomes compact, and the microhardness reaches 920 HV, the hardened depth is approximately 0. 5 mm. The microstructure of martensite surrounding the spheroidal graphite appears in the direct...