Laser cladding technique for erosive wear applications: a review

Abstract Slurry erosion is a serious menace in most of the hydro machine components all around the globe. Slurry erosion is accountable for heavy economic losses. However, some counter measures are being taken to mitigate the effect of sand particles passing through hydro-machine parts and research is also underway to improve the component surface by applying different surface coatings. Laser cladding is a surface deposition process that is used to achieve very good metallurgical bonding with minimum porosity as compared to other surface coating techniques. In this research paper, an attempt has been made to compile the literature related to laser cladding technology, its applications, process parameters, coating materials and their effectiveness to bestow solutions to various types of surface degradation with special emphasis on slurry erosion problems. This paper will serve as a reference for the researchers working in the area of slurry erosion prevention.