Possibility of Improving the Performance Characteristics of Kh12MF Die Steel by Gas–Powder Laser Cladding

Abstract—The possibility of improving the performance characteristics of Kh12MF die steel using gas–powder laser cladding and a nickel-based powder alloy containing 60% tungsten carbide as a cladding material is investigated. Laser cladding is carried out using a domestic SVAROG-1-5DR laser installation equipped with a 5-kW fiber diode laser. Laser cladding conditions have been experimentally selected. The microstructure, microhardness, and chemical composition of the deposited layer and the substrate are studied on transverse metallographic sections. Laser cladding is found to provide reliable melting of a carbide-containing powder material to the substrate and to significantly increase the surface hardness of Kh12MF steel. The hardness of the Kh12MF steel increases to 75.3 HRC upon cladding at P = 5 kW, V = 7 mm/s, and F = 30 mm.