Laser-cladding process:: a study using stationary and scanning CO2 laser beams

In a precise and controlled laser-cladding process, the effect of power density and beam-interaction time play a vital role. We study this process in both stationary and scanning beam modes with the laser cladding of stellite 6 on mild steel, Cr-Ni base materials, and we demonstrate their effects on the evolution of coarse, fine and very fine cladding microstructure. The effect of the various parameters such as input power, beam-interaction time, scanning frequency and the traverse speed are considered. The possible applications in the rapid prototyping industries are well illustrated. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.