Using a fiber laser welding head, crack-free WC-Co/Steel weld depositions are obtained with optimized welding parameters. The microstructure, composition, phase, structure, and bend strength are analyzed using optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and bend test. The influence of the microstructure and WC/matrix interfaces in the vicinity of joint failure at the cemented carbide side is discussed. It is evident that the deposit consists of austenite dendrites and interdendritic eutectic carbides. The austenite further transforms to martensite on-cooling. The flexural bend strength and yield strength of the joints attained 970 MPa and 876 MPa, respectively. Bend fracture occurs at the HAZ in the cemented carbide side of the joint, characterized with cleavage fracture and quasi-cleavage fracture. TEM and HRTEM image of WC/Co interfaces verified the W2C and eta phase formation in the HAZ that contributed to the embrittlement.
High-power ultralong-wavelength Tm-doped silica fiber laser cladding-pumped with a random distributed feedback fiber laser
