WC-304 Powder/Screen Laser Composite Cladding Process and Simulation Research

Laser cladding is an excellent method for surface modification. However, challenges remain in selecting appropriate materials, achieving uniform distribution and optimizing processing parameters. In this study, WC powder and 304 stainless steel were used to create WC-304 powder wire mesh composites, which were then laser clad onto 304 steel plates after mixing and rolling. The cladding layer's microstructure and properties were analyzed alongside a numerical simulation of the thermal analysis during the laser cladding process to investigate temperature and stress field distributions. Results indicate that the cladding layer exhibits an unbalanced fast solidification structure, primarily composed of Fe, C, Cr and W, with main phases being γ-Fe and α-Fe. The average microhardness of the cladding is 309.95 HV compared to 210.96 HV for the substrate, showing a hardness enhancement of approximately 46.9%. Optimal cladding occurs at a laser power of 3000 W and scanning speed of 10 mm/s, achieving a peak transient temperature of 3527°C. Thermal stresses are concentrated within the cladding layer, with a maximum equivalent stress of 472 MPa observed after 10 s of cooling.