Formation of WC-iron silicide (Fe5Si3) composite clad layer on AISI 316L stainless steel by high power (CO2) laser

An attempt was made to produce WC-iron silicide cladded layer on AISI 316L stainless steel by laser processing to obtain high hardness and lesser variations in hardness distribution in the layer. Different compositions of coating materials (WC, Si and Ni) and laser processing parameters were used. A good and defect free cladded layer of WC-iron silicide was obtained for an energy density of 22.5 J/mm2 and coating composition of 40WC-40Si-20Ni (wt.%). The layer exhibited average hardness of about 883 HV with lesser variations in the hardness distribution and also higher wear resistance compared to the substrate.