An Empirical Statistical Model for Laser Cladding of Aluminium Bronze on S235JR Pipe

Coaxial laser cladding of aluminium bronze on S235JR pipe is experimentally investigated in order to create an empirical statistical model. Crack-free coating of aluminium bronze was achieved without the use of intermediate layers. The microhardness HV0.3 was also found to be greater than typical for the same material. The effect of processing parameters (laser power, scan speed, hatch distance) on the geometrical characteristics of coating (consisting of three clad tracks) has been analysed and predicted in response to geometrical features (height, width, dilution, and density) by employing regression analysis. The validity of statistical models was confirmed with the correlation coefficient and analysis of residuals. For each studied geometrical characteristic, a correlation has been established that contains a combined parameter. These correlations can be utilised for selecting suitable processing parameters for the coating of aluminium bronze.