Research on Microstructure and Property of Fe-VC Composite Material Made by Laser Cladding

The experiment of laser cladding on the surface of H13 steel was made. Vanadium carbide (VC) powder and Fe-base alloy powder were used as cladding material. The microstructure and property of laser cladding layer were studied. The research showed that laser cladding layer had better properties such as minute crystals, deeper layer, higher hardness and good metallurgical bonding with base metal. The average hardness of cladding zone was 900HV0.2. The average hardness of cladding layer increased five times than that of base material. H13 steel was widely used in the field of hot dies. Using laser cladding, the good wear layer would greatly increase the mold useful life.