Laser surface alloying of Cr3C2, Cr3C2/NiCr and WC/CO layers on low carbon steel

By laser surface alloying of different elements or alloys it is possible to improve the corrosion and wear resistance of low carbon steels. Unalloyed steels reveal properties of high alloyed steels. The processing results can be varied over large ranges by variation of the process parameters. The use of laser induced plasma achieved higher melting depths though the process parameters must be carefully adjusted in confined limits to avoid shrinkage cavities and cracks.