Laser Cladding: A Comprehensive Overview of Defects and Mitigation Strategies

Laser cladding, as a highly effective surface strengthening and modification technology, emerged in the 1980s [1-3]. It utilizes laser as a heat source to combine various types of cladding materials with the surface of the substrate, forming a metallurgically bonded cladding layer. This process enhances the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance of the substrate surface [4-6]. However, during the laser cladding process, various factors such as cladding powder, cladding process, and substrate material can lead to the occurrence of defects such as cracks, pores, and inclusions on the surface or even inside the cladding layer, which can result in the scrapping of the cladded workpiece [7-10].