Correlation between Travel Speed, Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Wear Characteristics of Ni-Based Hardfaced Deposits over 316LN Austenitic Stainless Steel

Laser hardfacing were produced using a high power Disk laser of 4 kW maximum power as a heat source to melt and bond the Colmonoy-5 powder on to AISI 316 LN stainless steel substrate. Significant difference in melting points between the austenitic stainless steel (ASS) substrate and Ni-based Colmonoy alloy results in substantial dilution of the hardfaced deposit from the substrate. In this present study, the effect of travel speed (TS) on microstructure, microhardness and wear characteristics laser hardfaced deposits were investigated. The phase constitution, microstructure and hardness of laser hardfaced deposits were examined by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and Vickers hardness tester. The TS was varied between 300 and 500 mm/min. The other parameters such as, laser power, powder feed rate, and defocusing distance were kept constant. From this investigation, it is found that the deposit hardness increased from 750 HV to 800 HV with decreasing in TS. The TS increases, bead height decreased and dilution and depth of penetration increased. Due to higher TS the faster cooling rate takes place, it causes the cracking and porosity. Microhardness and wear resistance are slightly improved in the TS of 400 mm/min. The microstructures of deposit layer are composed of Ni-rich carbide, boride and silicide, this are the responsible for higher hardness and better wear resistance.