Multi-objective optimization of coating properties and cladding efficiency in 316L/WC composite laser cladding based on grey relational analysis

This study aims at improving the coating properties and cladding efficiency in composite material laser cladding. Using Taguchi orthogonal experimental design, the correlation between processing parameters and index of cladding quality had been investigated. By altering the input of laser power, scanning speed, gas flow, and tungsten carbide powder ratio in laser cladding setup, their influence on the micro-hardness and wear resistance of the clad as well as the cladding efficiency had been studied. This study achieved processing parameter optimization with grey relational analysis by combining multiple objectives. Results showed that the micro-hardness and wear resistance of the clad were significantly affected by the WC powder ratio in the composite. Also, the laser power denoted a significant impact on the cladding efficiency. To obtain the clad with maximum micro-hardness and minimum wear volume while also attaining the maximum cladding efficiency, grey relational analysis was utilized to combine these multiple objectives in optimization. The processing parameter set obtained from optimization met the targets and showed a small-scale error rate of 4.92% in the grey relational grade prediction. This study verified the applicability and provided the theoretical basis for multiple-objective optimization of the coating properties and cladding efficiency in composite laser cladding.