Laser cladding of martensitic stainless steels on armor steels

Abstract

Armor steels in the defense industry are widely used in ballistic applications due to their high mechanical strength and toughness. Problems caused by wear and in service conditions have limited the life of these steels. In recent years, the laser cladding method is one of the preferred hard-facing method. Laser powder cladding is a widely used process for improving the surface and near-surface properties of a metallic part or to resurface a component that has become worn through use. Cladding involves the creation of a hard surface layer on substrate. Compared with welding methods, cladding offer lower heat-related distortion, reduced dilution, extremely low porosity and better surface uniformity. In this study, martensitic stainless steel powders were deposited using the laser cladding method to improve the surface resistance of armor steel. In experimental studies, the effects of process parameters (laser power, laser speed and powder feed rate) on the layer were investigated. The microstructure and dilution properties of the cladding layers were examined. It was determined that the cladding layer structure had a high hardness and a low dilution, as well as a completely martensitic phase. Increased surface resistance with laser cladding increased both the service life and wear resistance of armor steel.