Comprehensive analysis of morphology, microstructure, and mechanical characterization of parameters in the Inconel 718 laser cladding process on AISI 1050

In this study, laser cladding of Inconel 718 powder was applied to AISI 1050 fabrication steel. In this process, an empirical study was conducted on 18 different samples produced to analyze the effects of laser power, scanning speed, and powder feeding rate, which are the most effective parameters in the laser cladding process, on morphology, microstructure, and mechanical characterization. The microstructures of these samples were investigated by a scanning electron microscope, and elemental distributions in the coating zone were investigated by energy dispersive spectrometry. In addition, their microhardness was measured throughout the coating. In light of the data obtained, the morphology of the three zones of the coating (clad zone, fusion zone, and heat-affected zone) was affected by the relevant parameters. The present work has given the optimum parameters: High powder feed rates (4.7, 5.2 rev/min), low scanning speeds (8 and 10 mm/s), and high laser power (with an increase from 1500 to 2100 W) all contributed to the maintenance of melt pool stability. A lower powder feed rate (3.8, 4.3 rev/mm) nevertheless assisted in encouraging the creation of a finer microstructure at lower laser powers (1500, 1800 W) and greater scanning speeds (12 mm/s). In all samples, the mean hardness in the fusion zone was higher than in the clad zone. It is stated that this phenomenon is caused by both the cooling rate and the Ni:Fe ratio. The hardness value increased with the increase in the percentage of Fe atoms in the fusion zone. The average hardness measurements were between 210 and 225 Vickers hardness, showing that the clad zone of all samples had a fairly consistent hardness level.