Effects of re-melting process parameters on the forming quality of the Stellite 6/WC laser cladding layer

A Stellite 6/WC composite coating was prepared on a 60Si2Mn substrate using the method of combing laser cladding and laser re-melting. The effect of different re-melting powers (1400 W, 1500 W and 1600 W) and re-melting scanning speeds (300 mm/min, 500 mm/min and 700 mm/min) on the geometry, microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of the Stellite 6/WC composite coating was investigated. The research results show that the laser re-melting process can improve the forming quality of the coating and reduce defects such as pores and cracks, but any excessive re-melting power and scanning speed may result in the reoccurrence of defects. With the increase in the re-melting scanning speed, the composite coating shows the evidence of grain refinement. The re-melting power has no significant effect on the microhardness of the coating. When the re-melting scanning speed is 700 mm/min, the microhardness and wear resistance of the corresponding composite coating are the best among all coatings.