Laser re-melting of HVOF coating with WC blend: Thermal stress analysis

Morphological and metallurgical changes in the coating after the laser treatment process were examined using the scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The residual stress formed in the coating prior and after laser treatment was measured using the curvature method. Temperature and stress fields formed in the coating were simulated in line with the experimental conditions and finite element method was incorporated in the simulations. It is found that laser treated coating surfaces is free from asperities such as cavities and cracks, and uniform melting is achieved across the coating thickness. The residual stress predicted agrees well with the measured data.