Microstructure and Wear Behaviour of SS420 Micron Layers on Ti–6Al–4V Substrate Using Laser Cladding Process

Ti–6Al–4V is commonly used material in automobile, aerospace, biomedical and marine due to its excellent properties. However, their uses are reduced because their its poor tribological performance. In the current study, stainless steel 420 alloy powder was cladded on Ti–6Al–4V base material using high-power Yb: YAG disc laser. Then, the cladded surfaces were evaluated to reveal their new phase formation, hardness changes and improved wear properties. Besides, the various wear mechanisms and their corresponding rough averages were studied. Results showed that the microhardness of laser cladded specimen is 613HV while base material shows 303HV. The wear rate of laser cladded specimen reduces remarkably compared to un-clad specimen. The identified major wear mechanisms are abrasive, adhesive and oxidation wear. The worn-out cladded surface shows lesser roughness than base material.