Cladding with Stellite 6 + WC using a YAG laser robot system

Abstract

A Nd:YAG laser robot cladding system, which combines a 6-axis robot, powder supply equipment and special powder delivery nozzle has been used for a powder cladding process. The Stellite 6 + WC mixed powder were clad on to mild carbon steel plate (SM400B). The depth of penetration, cracking behaviour, microstructure, Vickers hardness and wear resistance were investigated. Vickers hardness and wear resistance were found to increase with WC volume fraction in the range of 0–90%. The microstructures of clad layer can be divided into hypoeutectic (0–40%WC) and hypereutectic (50–100%WC) regions.