Laser surface melting: A suitable technique to repair damaged surfaces made in 14 Ni (200 grade) maraging steel

► Nd:YAG laser surface processing of low nickel (14%) maraging steel is analyzed. ► Laser parameters were optimized to melt surface of as-received and peak-aged samples. ► Microstructural analysis, hardness and wear tests were performed. ► Surface properties depend mainly on aging and not so much on laser parameters. ► Laser surface melting is suitable to repair low nickel maraging steel tools.