Abstract
The laser power interaction effects on the evolving properties of commercially pure titanium
during laser metal deposition were analysed. The optimized processing parameters obtained for
this research study were, spot size of 4 mm, powder flow rate of 2 g/min, gas flow rate of 2 l/min,
and the scanning speed set at 0.002m/s. A total of seven samples were fabricated by depositing
titanium powder onto a Ti-6Al-4V base metal; using an Nd-Yag laser by varying the laser power
from 400 to 1600 watts while keeping all the other parameters constant. The deposited samples
were characterised through the evolving microstructure, microhardness, wear and the corrosion
behaviour. The microstructural evaluation revealed that the ratio of dilution increased with an
increase in the laser power. Furthermore, it was found that as the dilution increased, the wear
resistance behaviour of the deposits decreased due to the increased foreign elements (Al and V)
from the substrate which inhibited smooth fusion as the molten deposit cooled...