Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
Laser cladding of steel surfaces is an attractive process for improving the wear resistance, hardness, or corrosion resistance of surfaces. It enables the repair of damaged surfaces or the targeted deposition of materials. These advantages make laser cladding an attractive option for applications in the tool and die industry, as well as in mechanical engineering. The materials science challenges involve understanding and adjusting the complex interactions between process parameters and the resulting materials properties:
1. The precise control of laser intensity, speed, and focus to achieve the desired microstructure and mechanical properties.
2. The control of residual stresses and microstructural development caused by rapid temperature changes.
3. Accounting for interactions between laser processes and existing heat treatments.
4. Ensuring materials homogeneity of the remelted layer across the entire surface.
5. Ensuring the desired surface roughness and texture
To precisely control these complex processes and to achieve beneficial properties such as increased hardness and improved wear resistance,
- the relevant process parameters must be identified,
- the microstructure and properties of the laser-remelted surfaces must be comprehensively characterized,
- the process-structure-property relationships must be established,
- and specific adjustments to the process parameters must be derived to optimize the desired materials properties.