Fundamental and applied aspects of laser surface engineering

Abstract

Abstract The contribution to this jubilee issue of IJMR concentrates on the analysis of laser surface treatments. In particular laser cladding processes using coaxial and side set-ups are evaluated to determine the optimal processing window that prioritizes the clad quality and the efficiency of the coating method. The microstructural features in these so-called processing maps are illustrated with Inverse Pole Figure (IPF) mapping, texture pole figures and Electron Backscatter Pattern (EBSP) techniques. The distribution of stresses inside Co-based laser coating is measured with the so-called three-dimensional X-ray Diffraction microscopy (3DXRD) and it is found very dispersive, i. e. stresses may change from one grain to another considerably. The mean value of observed hydrostatic stress in all grains at specific laser track depth is gradually changed from tensile state in the upper part of the coating to the compressive state in its lower part close to the substrate. On the other hand the average value of shear stress component does not show any substantial change with depth.