Effect of laser power on microstructure and tribological behavior of laser clad NiCr coating

Abstract NiCr coatings were prepared on H13 steel by laser cladding with different laser power. The microstructure and phases of the obtained coatings were analyzed using a super depth of field microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively, and the effect of laser power on the friction–wear performance at high-temperature was investigated using a friction tester. The results show that the laser clad NiCr coatings fabricated at the different laser powers are composed of Cr2Ni3 and FeNi3 phases, and the porosity is decreased from 1.28 % to 0.48 % with the increase of laser power. The average coefficients of friction of NiCr coatings are decreased with the increase of laser power, and the wear rate of NiCr coating fabricated at the laser power of 1400 W power is the lowest among the three kinds of coatings, showing that the suitable laser power can improve the surface quality and wear resistance of NiCr coating.