Analysis of the Process Parameter Influence in Laser Cladding of 316L Stainless Steel

Abstract

Laser Cladding is one of the leading processes within Additive Manufacturing technologies, which has concentrated a considerable amount of effort on its development. In regard to the latter, the current study aims to summarize the influence of the most relevant process parameters in the laser cladding processing of single and compound volumes (solid forms) made from AISI 316L stainless steel powders and using a coaxial nozzle for their deposition. Process speed, applied laser power and powder flow are considered to be the main variables affecting the laser cladding in single clads, whereas overlap percentage and overlapping strategy also become relevant when dealing with multiple clads. By setting appropriate values for each process parameter, the main goal of this paper is to develop a processing window in which a good metallurgical bond between the delivered powder and the substrate is obtained, trying simultaneously to maintain processing times at their lowest value possible. Conventional metallography techniques were performed on the cross sections of the laser tracks to measure the effective dimensions of clads, height and width, as well as the resulting dilution value. Besides the influence of the overlap between contiguous clads and layers, physical defects such as porosity and cracks were also evaluated. Optimum process parameters to maximize productivity were defined as 13 mm/s, 2500 W, 30% of overlap and a 25 g/min powder feed rate.

Numerical Simulation of Stainless Steel Powder Feeding in a Coaxial Nozzle for High Powder Efficiency in Laser Direct Energy Deposition

“…Even though a greater number of particles was trapped at 50-60-µm particle size, from Table 3, it can be observed that the distance between the focal point and the nozzle exit was 12.59 mm, which was not optimum distance according to the experimental study conducted by various authors (Zekovic et al, 2007;Alvarez et al, 2018). The optimum distance between the focal point and the nozzle exit is around 12 mm, which is obtained for a particle size of 60-70 µm.…”

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

“…Advantages of the laser cladding process, compared to competing processes, is that it can be used to produce complex components, offering high processing speed, high precision, potential for automation, and good repeatability. Despite a low thermal input, the technique provides a high energy density, while the heataffected zone is small [6,7,15,[17][18][19]. An important advantage of the process is the low dilution values that can be achieved.…”

“…An important advantage of the process is the low dilution values that can be achieved. A dilution range of 10-20% for a single pass produces depositions with good metallurgical union, satisfactory mechanical properties, and acceptable corrosion resistance [9,[19][20][21].…”

Optimization of Wear Resistance and Amorphous Content for Fecrmocb-Mg Composite by Using Fuzzy Logic Control System

“…Laser cladding is a material deposition technique in which a powdered or wire feedstock material is melted and solidified using a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) to coat a substrate or produce a near-net form part, [1]. It is used to improve mechanical qualities, increase corrosion resistance, repair damaged parts, and fabricate metal composites, among other things, [2].…”