Influence of Laser Beam Power and Scanning Speed on the Macrostructural Characteristics of AISI 316L and AISI 431 Stainless Steel Depositions Produced by Laser Cladding Process

Abstract

In the laser cladding process, control of the process parameters and knowledge of the characteristics of the materials used are essential for obtaining depositions with excellent metallurgical union, satisfactory dilution values, absence of defects, and acceptable geometric characteristics. Without such precautions, depositions can exhibit low or excess dilution, low wettability, and the presence of pores, consequently reducing the performance of the materials. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of the laser beam power, with maximum power of 4000 W and continuous wave mode, and scanning speed in laser cladding processes employing the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel and the AISI 431 martensitic stainless steel, considering the geometric characteristics, dilution, and structural defects of the depositions. It was found that the laser power had a greater effect on the width and dilution of the depositions, while the scanning speed influenced the deposition height. The depositions of AISI 431 steel presented dilution values between 9 and 25%, using power settings between 1400 and 1600 W. The depositions of AISI 316L steel required higher power values between 1900 and 2600 W to achieve dilution values between 15 and 41%. The existence of pores and satisfactory hardness values were observed for both materials, with the average of microhardness of 522 HV0.5/15 and 356 HV0.5/15 on the AISI 431 and AISI 316L depositions. It was also found that the different characteristics of the addition metals, considering their morphology, particle size distribution, and flow rate, led to significant changes in the geometric features of the depositions.

Effect of laser cladding parameters in NbC reinforced 316L austenitic stainless steel composite depositions on a mild steel

“…10c). In general, porosities are formed by the gas capture produced in the course of the fusion process, which ones couldn't have time to escape from the melt pool [24,76], as a result of the high solidi cation rate of the laser process [77].…”

“…Compared to conventional coating processes such as electric arc welding overlay and plasma spraycoating, the laser deposition offers advantages, including the formation of layers with a low amount of defects, good control of the amount of energy transferred, improved quality of the coating, and simple automation ability [3][4][5][6]. Laser cladding process might in uence the shape of the bead (height, wide, and reinforce), hardness, macrostructural, and microstructural features [5,[23][24][25]. Figueredo et al [24], Moradi et al [25], and Alvarez et al [26] detailed the effect of using different metallic powder and laser cladding parameters on the nal proprieties of the depositions.…”

“…Laser cladding process might in uence the shape of the bead (height, wide, and reinforce), hardness, macrostructural, and microstructural features [5,[23][24][25]. Figueredo et al [24], Moradi et al [25], and Alvarez et al [26] detailed the effect of using different metallic powder and laser cladding parameters on the nal proprieties of the depositions. On the other hand, Deuis et al [27] point out the importance of the wettability between the matrix and the reinforced composites materials concerning the formation of pores in the melt pool.…”

An Experimental Evaluation of the Cutting Capability of SS 431 Steel Using Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM)

“…SS 431 steel, particularly, is martensitic stainless steel with remarkable mechanical properties, making it ideal for applications requiring high tensile strength and resistance to environmental factors. Understanding how to effectively cut and shape SS 431 steel is crucial in unlocking its full potential in various industries [2,3]. The unique advantage of AWJM lies in its ability to cut complex shapes without generating significant heat-affected zones or mechanical stress: a distinct advantage when working with materials such as SS 431 steel, which can be sensitive to thermal alterations.…”

Surface quality optimization of laser cladding based on surface response and genetic neural network model

“…Therefore, the performance and surface quality of the coating were influenced by different processes [12,13], especially on the surface topography of the coating. Figueredo et al used different laser power and scanning rate to control the geometric structure of coating surface topography, and found that the width and dilution of deposition were greatly influenced by laser power, while the deposition height was greatly influenced by scanning speed [14]. Alvarez et al studied the influence of process parameters on surface geometric characteristics.…”