Microstructural features of consecutive layers of Stellite 6 deposited by laser cladding

Consecutive layers of a cobalt based alloy, Stellite 6, were deposited onto a 304 stainless steel plate. One, two and five consecutive layers were surface welded with a CO2 CW laser, in order to identify the effect of multilayer laser cladding on microstructure and residual stresses. Depositing two layers upon one another did not affect the microstructure and residual stresses. Further deposition of layers led to changes in hardness profile, microstructure and residual stresses intensity. Results are discussed on the basis of the potential of using laser cladding technology in industrial maintenance, considering that repairing components with worn surfaces often requires the ability to deal with different depth regions.