Microstructure and abrasive wear behavior of a novel FeCrMoVC laser cladding alloy for high-performance tool steels

This work shows the successful application of a novel Fe85Cr4Mo8V2C1 (wt%) laser cladding wire material on a high-performance tool steel (1.2379, X155CrMo12-1) using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system. Due to the high cooling rates during the welding process and appropriate laser parameters, a fine, homogeneous microstructure composed of martensite, austenite as well as VC- and Mo2C-type carbides was formed. This combination of phases along with their special morphology and distribution result in crack-free dense coatings with an enhanced hardness and abrasive wear resistance compared to the substrate material and a conventionally applied cladding alloy. In summary, laser cladding with the novel FeCrMoVC alloy shows a high potential for repair welding and hardfacing of high-performance carbon-rich steel tools.