Optimization of laser cladding process for additive repair of high temperature and high pressure valve sealing surface

Laser cladding technology is highly suitable for the remanufacturing of thin-walled and easily deformable parts due to its concentrated energy density. Due to the high temperature and high pressure corrosion environment, the valve sealing surface is prone to corrosion, wear and other failures. A nickel-based tungsten carbide alloy layer was prepared on the valve sealing surface substrate material by laser cladding process. By designing orthogonal experiments, the effects of laser power (P), scanning speed (Vb), powder feeding rate (Vf), and WC content (wt%) on the alloy layer were investigated. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method including macroscopic quality, microstructure, microhardness, anti-wear performance, oxidation resistance, compactness and corrosion resistance was proposed. The experimental results showed that the hardness, oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of the laser alloy layer are significantly improved compared with the matrix; the optimum process parameters and the addition ratio of WC powder are laser power (P) of 1.1 kW and scanning speed (Vb) of 800 mm/min. The powder feeding rate (Vf) was 20%, and the WC content was 20% by weight.