An empirical-statistical model for coaxial laser cladding of NiCrAlY powder on Inconel 738 superalloy

In this study, coaxial laser cladding of NiCrAlY powder on a nickel-based superalloy is investigated from an experimental point of view so as to propose an empirical-statistical model for the process. The correlations between main processing parameters (i.e. scanning speed, powder feeding rate, and laser power) and geometrical characteristics (i.e. width, height, penetration depth, dilution and wetting angle) of single clad tracks have been predicted and are discussed using regression analysis (RA). The validity of the predictions is confirmed by providing correlation coefficient and analysis of the residuals. The correlations are established as a combined parameter ((PVF gamma)-V-alpha-F-beta) for each studied characteristic of single clad tracks. These correlations finally lead to the design of a processing map that can be practically used to select proper processing parameters for laser cladding of the particular material. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.