Research status and prospect of extreme high-speed laser cladding technology

As a new surface engineering technology, extreme high-speed laser cladding technology (EHLC), which originated from conventional laser cladding technology, has presented extraordinary characteristics, such as high cladding efficiency, excellent powder utilization rate, superior surface accuracy of the cladding layer, and a small heat-affected zone on the substrate. Compared with other surface technologies, it exhibits dominant advantages and extensive application prospects in the fields of surface manufacturing and additive manufacturing. In this paper, we first introduce the structure of the core equipment of the EHLC, including the laser device, the laser cladding head, the powder feeder, and the processing platform. Next, the research status of EHLC process control is summarized from three aspects: optimization of the coating forming process parameters, numerical simulation of the forming process, and external field-assisted technology. Third, we comprehensively review the coating systems of common metal alloys and metal matrix composites prepared by EHLC and their excellent properties. Additionally, the application status of EHLC in surface manufacturing and additive manufacturing is summarized in this paper. Finally, the research progress of EHLC in equipment, process, material, and application is also concluded, and its further development trend is proposed.