Prediction of clad angle in laser cladding by powder using response surface methodology and scatter search

Currently, laser cladding is an important process that allows the deposition of thick protective coatings on substrates. The article presents an experimental investigation of the influence of processing parameters on clad angle in laser cladding by powder (LCP). The clad angle is determined from the mathematical expression relating to the clad height and clad width. The cladding angle model was developed in terms of laser power, scanning speed, and powder mass flow rate by means of response surface methodology. A first-order equation covering a narrow range of the variables and a second-order equation covering a wide range of the variables are presented. An optimization technique, Scatter Search, is used to determine optimal processing parameters. The adequacy of the predictive model was tested by analysis of variance and found to be adequate. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.