With the rapid advancement of modern society, the applications of materials are expanding across various fields. Among these, metallic materials have found wide use in industries such as biomedical, petrochemical, aerospace, orbital bridges, and marine vessels, making significant contributions to the manufacturing sector of the economy. As heavy machinery in industries undergoes rapid updates and iterations, there is a growing demand for metal fittings and structural components. However, these metal materials often experience common forms of failures, such as corrosion and wear, particularly at the surface, highlighting the crucial importance of surface protection. Material surface engineering presents a viable solution that effectively balances internal performance and investment costs, specifically addressing issues related to surface degradation and repair. By controlling the surface composition and structural design, it becomes possible to manage friction, corrosion, and mechanical properties of metal materials, resulting in notable advancements. One notable technique that has gained considerable traction in automotive engineering, aerospace, and other industries is tungsten inert gas (TIG) cladding. This technique offers unique composition properties, a pollution-free coating process, and a strong metallurgical bond between the alloy coating and the substrate. This review aims to provide a concise overview of TIG cladding, discussing parameter selection and the impact of different cladding powders on coating characteristics. Additionally, it summarizes the recent applications and research status of TIG cladding on titanium alloys, stainless steels, and other nonferrous alloys concerning their wear resistance, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. By exploring the advancements and findings in these areas, this review aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of surface engineering and facilitate further research and development in TIG cladding technology.
