Papers by Author: Mehdi Soodi

Abstract: Laser cladding is a thermal process for depositing a metallic alloy on to a parent metal to repair corrosion, erosion, wear or other physical damage. The present work studies the effects of the laser cladding process on the integrity of metal substrates and the bond between the cladding layer and the base metal. It also evaluates some physical characteristics of the cladding layer, in this case grade 420 stainless steel. The research compares the work with Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding and concludes that, due to the small size of the heat-affected zone, this laser cladding process does not adversely affect the physical properties of the metallic substrates.

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation on the microstructure and surface hardness of the parts fabricated by laser assisted Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) technology. A series of engineering metallic alloy powders were used in the DMD process to produce simple 3D geometric structures. The alloy powders investigated include: 316L stainless steel, 420 Stainless Steel, Stellite(R) 6, tool steel (H13), Cholmoloy (Ni Based alloy), and Aluminium Bronze. These were chosen due to their frequent application in engineering parts and components. The microstructure and hardness values have been compared to those of the wrought products (as annealed) as reported in the SAE standards, Heat treater’s guide to metals ASM international, and material data sheets supplied by the materials manufacturers. A significant difference is reported in both hardness and microstructure of the laser deposited samples compared to those of the wrought form.