High-power CO₂ laser cladding of WC based particles for cutting tool applications

A focused high-power CO₂ laser beam was used to clad spherical WC-based powders on M-7 steel substrate to optimize the process for enhanced metallurgical bonds and improved properties of the cladded materials. Scanning electron microscope revealed that WC particles were uniformly embedded in the matrix. X-ray diffraction analysis identified that, as the result of the dissolution of WC, formation of the precipitated W₂C carbide was the major phase in the cladded material. While a micro hardness of 735-940 Hv was measured in the matrix, hardness of the embedded WC was up to 3200 Hv. Results indicated considerable differences in the microstructures and properties depending upon various processing parameters. It is important to note that a good amount of WC hard particles can be embedded into the matrix. The process exhibits a potential to enhance cutting tool performance while significantly reducing overall cost.