Improvement of AISI 316L laser cladding properties by high-frequency vibration process

In the present paper, a unique laser cladding-assisted high-frequency vibration device was applied to prepare the AISI 316L cladding layer by laser cladding on the surface of the AISI 316L stainless steel substrate. The macroscopic morphology, microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the cladding layer were analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, Vickers microhardness tester, friction and wear tester, and three-dimensional optical profiler. The laser cladding-assisted high-frequency vibration device uses a high-frequency oscillator with a fixed frequency (20 KHz) to transfer vibration energy through the probe in contact with the substrate and close to the molten pool. This paper explores the effect of different laser powers on the dilution rate of the cladding layer, compares and observes the cross-sectional morphology and microstructure of the cladding layer with and without high-frequency vibration, and analyzes the reasons for the different results.