A method to eliminate the cracking of Stellite 6 + WC laser cladding layers using ultrasonic impact treatment

Abstract

Enhancing the wear resistance of coatings is a widely used technique that involves adding WC ceramic particles to Stellite alloy. Practical applications may be challenging due to the significant coating breaking that might result from the inclusion of WC ceramic particles. In this paper, the ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) method was used to decrease the residual stress during the cladding process of WC reinforced Stellite 6 alloy coating, consequently reducing the coating's tendency to crack. The results showed that the cracking can be eliminated in the coating reinforced by 20 % WC ceramic particles utilizing UIT.