Coaxial Laser Assisted Cold Sprayed WC–Co Coatings: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

A novel coaxial laser assisted cold spray was utilized to deposit tungsten carbide- cobalt (WC-Co) coatings from conventional thermal spray grade powder. Laser was focused through the throat of the cold spray nozzle and incident on the substrate. Dense and uniform coatings are obtained. Metallographic analysis – scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro hardness (Vickers) is carried out to characterize deposition quality. The effect of laser power on the particles as well as on the coating-substrate was studied via swipe tests. Reciprocating wear test and a shear punch test was performed to evaluate mechanical properties of the coatings.