In this study, an AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating with a 10% mass fraction of WC particles was fabricated on the surface of 316L stainless steel by laser cladding technology. WC powders were formed by the partial or total dissolution of the initial WC particles with different sizes in the AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating. Micron WC particles were dispersed in the coating homogeneously, and millimeter WC particles were deposited on the bottom of coating because of their high density. The addition of the WC powers prompted Columnar dendritic and cellular grains, observed in the bottom and top regions of the coating, respectively. Additionally, this led to a higher micro-hardness and better corrosion resistance than that of the pure HEA coating.
A response surface was employed to establish a statistical model for influencing factors and response targets to study the influence of laser cladding process parameters on the quality of Co-based WC composite coating and reduce defects in the cladding layer. Analysis showed that the cladding step and laser power were the most significant factors affecting the coating’s porosity area and surface flatness. Increasing the amount of WC and the laser power significantly enhanced the hardness of the coating. The validation experiments under optimized conditions showed that the predicted value of the model was in good agreement with the actual value, and the average error was less than 6%. This study presents the preparation of Co-based WC ceramic composite coating by laser cladding and the optimization of process parameters.
The effect of 60Si2Mn substrate preheating on the forming quality and mechanical properties of cobalt-based tungsten carbide composite coating was investigated. Substrate preheating was divided into four classes (room temperature, 150 °C, 250 °C, and 350 °C). The morphology, microstructure, and distribution of elements of the coating were analyzed using a two-color laser handheld 3D scanner, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), respectively. The hardness and wear properties of the cladding layer were characterized through a microhardness tester and a friction wear experiment. The research results show that the substrate preheating temperature is directly proportional to the height of the composite coating. The solidification characteristics of the Stellite 6/WC cladding layer structure are not obviously changed at substrate preheating temperatures of room temperature, 150 °C, and 250 °C. The solidified structure is even more complex at a substrate preheating temperature of 350 °C. At this moment, the microstructure of the cladding layer is mainly various blocky, petaloid, and flower-like precipitates. The hardness and wear properties of the cladding layer are optimal at a substrate preheating temperature of 350 °C in terms of mechanical properties.
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