Amir Safari, Alireza Araee,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (Journal OF Welding Science and Technology 2026)
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of laser cladding process parameters on the geometry, microstructure, and microhardness of claddings deposited on a single-crystal PWA1484 superalloy using Inconel 625 powder. The effects of laser power, duty cycle, and scanning speed on cladding dimensions, including height, width, and depth, were evaluated. Experiments were conducted based on a central composite design, and second-order regression models were developed using response surface methodology and validated by analysis of variance. The results showed that a 60% increase in laser power enhanced the cladding height, width, and depth by 38%, 55%, and 153%, respectively. Increasing the duty cycle by 43% increased these dimensions by 32%, 49%, and 119%, respectively. Conversely, a 230% increase in scanning speed reduced the height, width, and depth by 43%, 16%, and 23%, respectively. Microstructural observations revealed a transition from planar and cellular structures at the interface to columnar and equiaxed structures toward the cladding surface. Phase analysis confirmed the presence of γ, β, and γ′ phases. The average cladding microhardness (225 HV) was approximately 14% lower than that of the substrate (263 HV).
