Cavitation erosion behavior of laser-clad Ni–Cr–Fe–WC on brass

Laser surface modification of brass with an alloy–ceramic composite powder Ni–Cr–Fe–WC was studied using a two-step process, with powder preplacement followed by laser irradiation. For preplaced coatings of a few 100 μm thick, successfully cladding/alloying was achieved at a laser (CW Nd:YAG) energy density in the range 60–100 J/mm2. Under proper processing conditions, the cavitation erosion resistance was increased by a factor of 9.1. This large increase was attributed to the formation of a Ni-rich matrix reinforced by precipitated carbides and tightly bound WC particles.