Process Optimization and Property Evaluation of Laser‐Cladded In625/WC Composite Coatings

ABSTRACT To address the insufficient hardness and wear resistance of laser‐clad In625 coatings, this study fabricated In625/WC composite coatings by laser cladding. Based on orthogonal experiments, the overall performance of the In625 coatings was evaluated, and the optimal process parameters were determined. Under these optimal parameters, different proportions of WC powder (100% In625 + 0% WC, 85% In625 + 15% WC, 70% In625 + 30% WC, 55% In625 + 45% WC, 40% In625 + 60% WC, and 25% In625 + 75% WC) were added to evaluate their effects on the performance of the composite coatings. The In625 + 15% WC composite coating exhibits the best overall performance. Compared with the In625 coating, the hardness increased by 80.56%, the wear loss decreased by 90.16%, and it exhibited a more positive corrosion potential and a lower corrosion current density. Microstructural observations revealed that cracks formed when the WC content reached 45% or higher. The work clarifies the relationships among process parameters, microstructure, and properties of laser‐clad In625/WC composite coatings, providing an effective approach for preparing high‐performance protective coatings.