Preparation of a novel Ni/Co-based alloy gradient coating on surface of the crystallizer copper alloy by laser

► Laser cladding a Ni/Co-based alloy gradient coating with high wear-resistance on the Cu alloy surface. ► The gradient coating has three layers using elements gradient design. The hardness of the third Co-based alloy layer reaches 876 HV. ► The gradient coating reveals good adhesive friction and wear properties. ► This novel technique may have good application to make an advanced coating on the surface of the Cu alloy crystallizer.