Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the changes in the surface
layer (Inconel 625), obtained during the laser treatment of tool-steel alloy for hot work by the
use high-power fibre laser.
Design/methodology/approach: Observations of the layer structure, HAZ, and substrate
material were made using light and scanning microscopy. The composition of elements
and a detailed analysis of the chemical composition in micro-areas was made using the
EDS X-ray detector. The thickness of the resulting welds, heat affected zone (HAZ) and the
contribution of the base material in the layers was determined.
Findings: As a result of laser cladding, using Inconel 625 powder, in the weld overlay microstructure
characteristic zones are formed: at the penetration boundary, in the middle of weld overlay and
in its top layer. It was found that the height of weld overlay, depth of penetration, width of weld
overlay and depth of the heat affected zone grows together with the increasing laser power.
Practical implications: Laser cladding is one of the most modern repair processes for
eliminating losses, voids, porosity, and cracks on the surface of various metals, including
tool alloys for hot work. Laser techniques allow to make layers of materials on the repaired
surface, that can significantly differ in chemical composition from the based material
(substrate material) or are the same.
Originality/value: A significant, dynamic development in materials engineering as well as
welding technologies provides the possibility to reduce the cost of production and operation
of machinery and equipment, among others by designing parts from materials with special
properties (both mechanical and tribological) and the possibility of regeneration of each
consumed element with one of the selected welding technologies.
Fluctuations in Chemical Composition of M7C3 Carbides in the Soft Annealed Nc11lv/D2 Steel
