Study on Microstructure of Laser Cladding Fe-Based Coatings and Comparison of Mechanical Properties with SKD11 Steel

A new manufacturing method for the cold stamping tool with low cost and long life is proposed in this study. Three special alloy powders (named Jxcy01, Jxcy02, and Jxcy03, respectively) were coated on 45 steel by laser cladding. Constituent phases and microstructure of coatings were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the hardness and wear resistance of the coatings were compared with Skd11 steel. The results showed that the coatings were uniform and dense without pores or cracks, in addition to satisfied metallurgical bonding to the substrate. The Jxcy01 coating was mainly composed of α -Fe, Fe–Cr, (Fe,Ni), Ni–Cr-Fe, the Jxcy02 coating was mainly composed of martensite, Fe–Cr, FeV, MnV, Fe2Si, the Jxcy03 coating was mainly composed of martensite, Fe2Si, Cr7C3, Mn23C6. In comparison with Jxcy01, Jxcy02 coatings, and Skd11 steel, Jxcy03 coating exhibited higher hardness and better wear resistance. Therefore, Jxcy03 alloy powder was selected for the preparation of stamping tool inserts. The stamping tools manufactured by laser cladding had a 30% longer life and a 50% lower cost compared with SKD11 dies.