Laser Cladding Method by High Power Blue Laser Irradiation to Cemented Carbide-Base Material

Abstract

In this study, we have established laser irradiation conditions for laser cladding of tungsten carbide（WC）on cemented carbide substrates. The selective laser melting（SLM）method using a high-brightness blue diode laser was used to achieve a laser cladding of WC powders, but on the other hand conventional method using near-infrared wavelength laser could not create a cladded layer on the surface. After adjusting the components added to the WC powders, a WC-Cu cladded layer with an average height of 55 μm, average hardness of 915 HV, and maximum hardness of 1151 HV was produced. It was found that a laser W C powders cladded layer on the WC substrate was strong enough for the press-mold.