Multi-objective Process Parameter Optimization of Laser-Cladded H13 Steel with Microstructure and Wear Performance Validation
摘要
This study establishes a multi-parameter multi-objective decision framework to optimize laser cladding process parameters for depositing CoCrFeNiAl high-entropy alloy coatings on H13 steel substrates. A 23 factorial design was implemented to systematically evaluate the effects of laser power, scanning speed, and powder feeding rate on aspect ratio, dilution rate, and microhardness. Based on experimental results, hybrid weights were generated by integrating analysis hierarchical process (AHP) and Chatterjee Correlation Coefficient (CCC) improved Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC). Then, the optimum process parameters were obtained by Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. To validate the TOPSIS results numerically, a mathematical model was developed by assigning the hybrid weights individually to regression-fitted quadratic polynomial functions representing distinct responses. The optimized parameters from the model agreed well with the TOPSIS results, confirming the optimal process parameters of 800 W, 16 mm/s, and 9.60 g/min. The optimized parameters demonstrated an optimal balance between dilution rate and aspect ratio while attaining maximum microhardness, and wear resistance showed a mean coefficient of friction of 0.473 and a mass loss of 7.90 mg, superior to the specimen showing the second highest microhardness. EBSD results showed that the optimized coating had fine equiaxed grains averaging 13.20 μm in size with BCC/B2 phase and subgrain boundaries and featured a mean misorientation angle of 39.36°, thereby experimentally validating the improved CRITIC–AHP–TOPSIS optimization approach. This study offers a process parameter optimization method in multi-response for industrial application.