Status of Research on Assisted Laser Cladding and Laser Cladding Posttreatment: A Review

Abstract Laser cladding technology has become one of the most effective surface modification technologies to date due to its high energy density, small heat affected zone, low dilution rate and high cooling rate. However, with the increasing demand for products, the uneven tissue distribution, cracks, pores and other defects of the clad layer seriously limit its application and development. The performance and surface quality of the cladding layer need to be further improved. On this basis, the effects of different energy fields, such as electromagnetic fields, ultrasonic fields and induction heating, on the tissue properties of coatings are outlined and the mechanisms of the effects of various auxiliary technologies on the tissue properties and tissue transformation mechanism are reviewed. In addition, different posttreatment processes (heat treatment, surface strengthening, etc.) of laser cladding coatings are reviewed, providing a reference for further improvements in the microstructure and properties of the cladding layer and discussing existing problems and future development directions.