Research on the predictive geometric characteristics model of laser cladding layer

The process of laser cladding can be described as the rapid melting and deposition of metal powder on the dieface by high-energy laser beam, and the deposited layer possesses specific properties which meet dieface requirements. It is of great significance to study the influence of process parameters on the geometry of cladding layers. To better control the geometric characteristics of laser cladding layer, a modified mathematical model is proposed to predict the height and width of cladding layers in accordance with process parameters (namely laser power, scanning speed, powder feeding speed, and overlapping rate). Then, a comparison of predictive results with experimental results shows that the proposed model can accurately predict the height and width of cladding layers. Meanwhile, this model is in good agreement with experimental height and width of cladding layers for single- and double-track. So, the model can guide the monitoring and controlling of laser cladding process, especially the control of cladding layer height and width.