Laser surface treatment of magnesium alloy with WC and TiC powders using HPDL

Purpose: The aim of this work was to improve the surface layer cast magnesium alloy EN-MCMgAl6Zn1 by laser surface treatment. The purpose of this work was also to determine the laser treatment parameter. Design/methodology/approach: The laser treatment of an EN-MCMgAl6Zn1 magnesium alloy with alloying WC and also TiC powders was carried out using a high power diode laser (HPDL). The resulting microstructure in the modified surface layer was examinated using scanning electron microscopy. Phase composition was determined by the X-ray diffraction method using the XPert device. The measurements of microhardness of the modified surface layer was also studied. Findings: The alloyed region has a fine microstructure with hard carbide particles. Microhardness of laser surface alloyed layer with both TiC and WC particles was significantly improved as compared to alloy without laser treatment. Research limitations/implications: In this research two powders (WC and TiC) were used with the particle size over 5 µm This investigation presents different speed rates feed by one process laser power. Practical implications: The results obtained in this investigation were promising to compared other conventional processes. High Power Diode Laser can be used as an economical substitute of Nd:YAG and CO2 to improve the surface magnesium alloy by feeding the carbide particles. Originality/value: The originality of this work is applying of High Power Diode Laser for alloying of magnesium alloy using hard particles like tungsten carbide and titanium carbide.