Numerical Modelling and Optimization of the Surface Qualities of Laser Cladded Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Abstract

Ti6Al4V alloy is one of the most widely utilized engineering metals, but it has a reduced hardness for high-temperature abrasive applications. In order to modify the surface of a Ti6Al4V alloy plate, a Cobalt-Nickel (Co-Ni) powder combination with increased hardness and corrosion resistance was used during the laser cladding pro cess. For optimal efficiency, the Co proportion of the powder was modified between 30, 50, and 70 wt% respectively. The scan speed and laser power of the operation process were modified between 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 m/s and 700, 800, and 900 W respectively. The response properties examined include; microhardness of the coat ing, surface roughness, and clad depth. Response surface methodology was utilized in the experimental design, response property modeling, and process optimization respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that the input variables had significant effects on the response properties and that the trend of the responses depended on the interaction pattern between the input variables. The developed numerical mod els were validated for property prediction. It was noted that the optimization pro cedure and confirmation experiments produced response properties with marginal error. The optimal input combination for producing the balanced performance of the Co-Ni coating on the Ti6Al4V alloy substrate yielded 70wt.% Co proportion, 0.86 m/s scan speed, and 900 W laser power respectively. Keywords Cobalt-Nickel coatings · Laser cladding · Numerical models · Optimization · Ti6Al4V surface treatment