Wear resistance in the soil of Stellite-6/WC coatings produced using laser cladding method

The paper presents the study results of macro- and microstructure, microhardness, phase composition and practical application of Stellite-6/WC metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings produced using laser cladding technology. For the preparation of MMC coatings the Yb:YAG disc laser with a rated power equal 1 kW was used. The laser beam was controlled using a 5-axis CNC machine. The powder mixture was fed to laser beam by three-streams powder feeding system. Composite coatings were prepared to increase the durability of agricultural tools. The coatings were prepared on B27 boron steel. This steel grade is most often used into produce the tools for soil cultivation. Stellite-6/WC coatings were produced using laser beam power 550 W, feed rate 400 mm/min and powder feed rate 10 g/min. Durability tests of agricultural tools were carried out by two methods. Measurement the mass loss was the first method, while measurement the tools shape using GOM ATOS II optical scanner was the second method. It was found that Stellite-6/WC coatings contributed to increase durability of agricultural tools applied for soils cultivation.