Laser Cladding of a Ni-Cr Alloy onto a Spray Forming Al-Si Alloy with a High Power Diode Laser

The aim of the present work is to combine the excellent mechanical properties of spray formed aluminium alloys with a surface coating designed to withstand wear at elevated temperatures. The use of lightweight metals, such as aluminium, in engine components results in substantial reductions in CO, emissions. A high power diode laser (HPDL) was used to create a wear resistant Ni-Cr surface coating on a hypereutectic Al-Si alloy, produced via spray forming. The microstructure was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The test results showed that the allowed layers had high Vickers micro hardness (700 HV) and a low friction coefficient (0.16).