<p>Laser cladding offers significant advantages in repairing damaged parts and enhancing surface performance. The quality of the deposition layers in the laser cladding process is crucial. This study presents an optimized approach combining Taguchi and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to optimize laser cladding parameters for 316&#xa0;L stainless steel. Leveraging Taguchi’s efficiency in experimental design and GRA’s versatility in multi-objective optimization, this method enables simultaneous optimization of multiple responses while accounting for their interactions. Orthogonal experiments were designed to examine the influence of factors such as laser power, scanning speed, and powder feeding rate, with primary responses including cladding width, height, and dilution rate. Analysis of variance, along with contour and surface plots, was used to explore the influence and underlying mechanisms of these factors. The optimal parameters for each individual response were determined through signal-to-noise ratio analysis. GRA was then applied to achieve a comprehensive optimization of the multiple response variables. Microstructural analysis of the cladding revealed defect-free cross-sections, with no pores or cracks, confirming the high quality of the cladding. The optimized parameters identified in this study provide a reliable basis for laser cladding of similar materials, with practical applications in industries such as aerospace and defense, ensuring high deposition quality and improved production efficiency.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>