Analytical modeling and experimental investigation of laser induction hybrid rapid cladding for Ni-based WC composite coatings

Laser induction hybrid rapid cladding (LIHRC) cannot only increase the cladding efficiency, but can also eliminate porosity and cracking of ceramic–metal composite coatings. In order to obtain a deep understanding of LIHRC with rapid cladding speed and high powder deposition rate, an analytical model of LIHRC for Ni-based WC composite coatings is proposed in the paper. The predictions of cladding height and powder efficiency obtained with this model are in good agreement with experimental results. Injection angles at which the attenuation rate of laser power is relatively low are identified and crack-free composite coatings with smooth surface, good profile and metallurgical bonding to substrate can be obtained. The calculated results for the temperature of the powder particles are compared to experimental data of the microhardness profiles and show a similar trend.