The Prediction of Coating Geometry from Main Processing Parameters in Laser Cladding

Based on a recently published recursive model describing the geometry of laser clad coatings and on experimental track characteristics we propose specific functions to describe the geometry of laser clad coatings formed by overlap of individual tracks depending on the processing parameters. The recursive model provides a very good description ofthe whole geometry of the coating from the Height H and width w of a single laser track for any overlap ratio OR. We have shown in the past that the height and width of a single track are well correlated with the main laser cladding processing parameters for both coaxial and side cladding set-ups. Combining these two approaches leads to prediction of the complete geometry of laser clad coatings from basic processing parameters. These parameters are: Feeding rate F, Laser beam scanning speed S and overlap ratio OR. The character of the functions that describe the height and waviness of the final coating is the same for both coaxial and side cladding set-ups.