《Analysis of coaxial laser cladding processing conditions》.pdf

Surface Coatings Technology 197 (2005) 127– 136 /locate/surfcoat Analysis of coaxial laser cladding processing conditions U. de Oliveira, V. Ocelı´k, J.Th.M. De Hosson* Department of Applied Physics, Materials Science Centre and Netherlands Institute for Metals Research, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands Received 14 March 2004; accepted in revised form 25 June 2004 Available online 13 August 2004 Abstract The formation of thick Ni-based coating on a steel substrate by coaxial laser cladding using the Nd:YAG 2 kW continuous laser was studied both from a theoretical and experimental point of view. The theoretical analysis concentrated on the transfer of laser irradiation and powder particles using a simple model of heat transfer to the substrate. This approach provides predictions of the laser power required for melting powder particles and substrate, respectively. For an appropriate experimental analysis of the main process parameters involved, a method based on a gradual change of a single processing parameter was examined. Correlations between the main processing parameters and geometrical characteristics of an individual laser track have been found and are discussed. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Laser cladding; Nd-Yag; Processing; Co-axial 1. Introduction In this process, the carrier gas is used to form a cladding powder strea