Effect of coaxial laser cladding parameters on bead formation

We investigated the shape and morphology of nickel-based powder particles (Sulzer Metco) and coatings produced by laser gas-powder deposition onto steel substrates. Laser deposition was performed using an LC-10 IPG-Photonics laser complex equipped with a 10-kW fiber laser. The shape and microstructure of the samples were studied using optical and electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that the deposition speed and laser power significantly influenced the shape and size of the beads. The depth of diffusion of nickel into the steel substrate after deposition was less than 20 mu m; the microstructure of the resulting coating was fcc Fe3Ni. As a result, detailed information about the form and shape of the filler powder, modes of its deposition, and the resulting coating structure was obtained; this information is important for the production of high-quality products by additive technologies.