Laser surface alloying of Al99.99 and AlSi10Mg with Cr and Ni

The surfaces of Al99.99 and AlSi10Mg are alloyed with laser radiation using Cr and Ni which are blown into the melt pool within the interaction zone by powder feeding technique. The alloyed zone was investigated by optical microscopy, electron microscopy, hardness measurements and wear testing. The alloyed zone is crack and pore free either in the case of single or overlapping tracks. The microhardness and ear resistance are significantly improved by the formation of intermetallic compounds.