Computational and Experimental Investigation of Micro-Hardness and Wear Resistance of Ni-Based Alloy and TiC Composite Coating Obtained by Laser Cladding

The influence of processing parameters on the micro- hardnessand wear resistance of a Ni-based alloy and titanium carbide( TiC) composite claddinglayer was studied. Mathematical models were developed to predict the micro- hardnessand wear resistance of the claddinglayer by controlling the laser claddingprocessing parameters. Key processing parameters were the laser power, scanning speed, gas flow, and TiCpowder ratio. The models were validated by analysis of variance and parameter optimization. Results show that the micro- hardnessis positively correlated with laser power and TiCpowder ratio, where the TiCpowder ratio shows the most significant impact. The wear volume decreased with an increasing TiCpowder ratio. The targets for the processing parameter optimization were set to 62 HRC for micro- hardnessand a minimal volumewear. The difference between the model prediction value and experimental validation result for micro- hardnessand wear volume were 1.87% and 6.33%, respectively. These models provide guidance to optimize the processing parameters to achieve a desired micro- hardnessand maximize wear resistance in a composite claddinglayer.