Laser cladding assisted with an induction heater (LCAIH) of Ni-60%WC coating

Adjusting the laser power and induction energy in order to obtain a coating with low dilution and low partial melting of carbides should be carefully considered in the laser cladding of metal matrix composite coating assisted with an induction heater. Based on numerical study, the effect of assessment of induction heater during the laser cladding of composite coating in thermal cycle, crack susceptibility, and solubility of the carbides was investigated in detail. The numerical results were validated by in situ-monitoring techniques. The thermal images of the molten pool proved that the utilization of an induction heater in laser cladding of Ni-60%WC made the evolution of the molten pool smoother with relatively less temperature fluctuation in and around it. The induction heater enhanced the carbide transfer efficiency by decreasing the carbides rebounding from molten pool due to larger molten pool with higher peak temperature.