WC-Fe metal-matrix composite coatings fabricated by laser wire cladding

[Display omitted] Tungsten carbide reinforced iron-based metal-matrix (WC-Fe) composite coatings, for the first time, have been fabricated on carbon steel substrate by the laser wire cladding with a novel type of Fe-based tubular cored wire. The processing characteristics have been systematically investigated by cladding of single tracks at varying operating parameters. In order to guide the actual production and predict the influence of different parameters on the typical processing characteristics in terms of wire stubbing transfer, wire plunging transfer, and liquid spreading transfer mode, a process window has been established. The experimental results show that the unmelted defects can be found in the coatings produced in the stubbing transfer mode, while most of the coatings obtained in the liquid spreading transfer mode have a high dilution degree (>13 %) and a low content of retained particles (