State-of-the-art review on laser cladding process as an in-situ repair technique

The present work reviews the laser cladding process as a repairing technique and the conventional repairing techniques and different heat source models. In this review work, the authors have tried to address the various traditional methods studied for repairing and surface modification. The dominantly used heat source model for numerical modelling of the repairing techniques and the mechanism of the laser cladding process, along with its advantages over the conventional repairing techniques, is also reviewed. This paper also focuses on the predominantly used laser of high power for the cladding process and the effect of process parameters on the quality of the clad layer. The different materials used as clad materials for repairing purposes during the laser cladding process have also been discussed briefly. In this paper, the authors have surveyed literature from different regions of the globe and considered the literature since 1969. This review discusses the various conventional repairing techniques used for repairing, heat source model, process parameters, and different materials used in the laser cladding process. The authors have also briefed the advantages, disadvantages, and application in each of the sections. The use of laser cladding for in-situ repairing process, development of a precise model, use of low-power laser, and application of laser cladding for actual engineering components was also considered in future research work.