Papers by Keyword: Powder Feed System

Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop clad layer by producing a Silicon Carbide (SiC) particle reinforced Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) using the iron based alloys (P25) as the matrix material. Direct laser cladding was carried out by melting the clad materials and depositing them onto a mild steel substrate. A two gravity feed system was used in this study which contained of SiC particles and iron based powder as separate powders. The intention was to melt the iron based powder and incorporate the SiC particles. Decomposition of SiC particles was observed and only a few SiC particles were found in the clad matrix. Microhardness results showed that laser clad layer had higher hardness which more than 1000 HV and hence potentially better wear resistance that base material. However, most of the SiC had evaporated which created porosity in the melt pool due to the decomposition of SiC and the resultant gas which was trapped in clad layer did not have enough time to escape from the melt pool due to the rapid solidification. Therefore, a blown powder technique is recommended for overcome this problem.

Abstract: The objective of this research was to develop a new form of clad layer by producing a Silicon Carbide (SiC) particle reinforce Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) using the iron based alloys as the matrix material. A 1.2kW continuous wave CO₂ laser was used in this research. A gravity feed system was used with one powder feed which contained different percentages of SiC particles and iron based powder. Experimental results showed that the decomposition of SiC particles was observed and only a few SiC particles were found in the clad matrix. High micro hardness values were found in the SiC clad which were in excess of 1000 HV. However, most of the SiC were evaporated which created porosity in the melt pool. Therefore, blown powder technique is recommended for overcome this problem.