Laser cladding of aluminium on AISI 304 stainless steel with high-power diode lasers

The production of aluminium-based coatings on a stainless steel (AISI 304) substrate by side laser cladding, and using a high-power diode laser was experimentally studied. These coatings are very interesting for potential application such as fuel cells or catalytic converters. ations between the main processing parameters (i.e. laser beam scanning speed, irradiance, and powder feeding rate) and the main geometrical characteristics of the clad track (height, width, and depth) were determined using a full factorial method. Furthermore, the microstructure of the coatings and the influence of the processing parameters on the costs associated to the process were examined. These relationships lead to the determination of processing maps in order to be used as a guideline for the selection of proper processing parameters for laser cladding of aluminium and alloys.