Laser Cladding vs. Laser Alloying – a Comparative Study

Both laser cladding and laser alloying are related techniques for surface modifications of tools – mainly used for increasing wear and/or corrosion resistance locally. While laser cladding is nowadays already well established but has certain competitors (e.g. PTA-welding and flame gunning), laser alloying is a unique technique with currently only one single industrial implementation but lots of prospective applications. This article will introduce the principles and differences of laser cladding and alloying and give a brief synopsis of the advantages compared to its competitive techniques. Finally a few selected applications are presented.