Influence of process conditions in laser-assisted low-pressure cold spraying

A laser-assisted low-pressure cold spraying (LALPCS) is a one-step coating process in which the laser irradiation interacts simultaneously with the spraying spot on the substrate or deposited coating surface in order to improve coating properties. It is expected that the LALPCS could be an effective method to improve a low-pressure cold sprayed coating deposition efficiency and denseness. The purpose of the additional energy from the laser beam is to create denser and more adherent coatings, enhance deposition efficiency and increase the variety of coating materials.In this study copper and nickel powders with additions of alumina powder were laser-assisted low-pressure cold sprayed on carbon steel. Coatings were sprayed using air as process gas. A 6 kW continuous wave high power diode laser and a low-pressure cold spraying unit were used in the experiments. The influence of laser energy on coating microstructure, density and deposition efficiency was studied. The coatings were characterized by optical microscopy and SEM. The coating denseness was tested with open cell potential measurements. Results showed that laser irradiation improved the coating denseness and also enhanced deposition efficiency.