On the wear properties of laser coatings with high carbide concentrations

Abstract

Laser coating (laser cladding) is a novel way to produce metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings. The selection of the metallic matrix can be done on the base of the intended application and environment, whereas the additional wear resistance improvement is provided by mixing various carbides with the metallic matrix. In the present work, various types of MMC coatings were prepared by laser coating methods. The coatings consisted of VC, WC, TiC and CrC hard phases mixed with metallic tool steel M2, Stellite 21, NiCrBSi-alloy and Inconel 625. Different levels of carbide contents were used. The abrasion resistances of the MMC coatings were tested using a rubber wheel abrasion apparatus. The wear surfaces were examined and the microstructures of MMC coatings were analysed in order to determine microstructures and carbide dissolution. The best results abrasion results were achieved by right choice of carbide to each matrix material.Laser coating (laser cladding) is a novel way to produce metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings. The selection of the metallic matrix can be done on the base of the intended application and environment, whereas the additional wear resistance improvement is provided by mixing various carbides with the metallic matrix. In the present work, various types of MMC coatings were prepared by laser coating methods. The coatings consisted of VC, WC, TiC and CrC hard phases mixed with metallic tool steel M2, Stellite 21, NiCrBSi-alloy and Inconel 625. Different levels of carbide contents were used. The abrasion resistances of the MMC coatings were tested using a rubber wheel abrasion apparatus. The wear surfaces were examined and the microstructures of MMC coatings were analysed in order to determine microstructures and carbide dissolution. The best results abrasion results were achieved by right choice of carbide to each matrix material.