Tailoring of Engineering Material Properties through Laser Cladding: Metallurgical, Mechanical and Tribological Properties

In this comprehensive guide to laser cladding of engineering materials, expert contributors provide a detailed yet easy‑to‑follow explanation of the process, its use for surface modification and the benefits and applications of this technique in different environments and for different purposes.

The optimization of an engineering material’s properties and behavior is vital for economic, safety and quality assurance reasons when these materials are applied in various industrial settings. This book therefore explains how laser cladding can be used to tailor and control a material’s surface layer properties, such as its elastic and plastic deformation and permanent detachment in the form of debris during the contact of mating parts. Through individual chapter contributions from experts in various elements related to laser cladding, this book guides readers through the evaluation of different structures in laser‑cladded engineering materials. The book addresses three key questions:

• What is the influence of micro- and nano-level structures on mechanical properties?
• How does laser cladding improve a material’s wear resistance at the micron and nano level and determine the material’s suitability for particular applications?
• What challenges are related to the laser cladding of different engineering materials?

In addressing these questions, the book enables readers to determine the metallurgical, mechanical, tribological and corrosion behavior of any type of engineering material. Readers will also be able to make informed decisions based on their knowledge of the properties and industrial applications of different laser‑cladded materials.

This book is essential for all manufacturing industry personnel who work with materials in various industrial settings and need to control their surface properties and enhance their behavior at the micron and nano levels. Students who are building experience prior to entering industry will also benefit from the detailed descriptions, step‑by‑step approach and focus on practical application.

Natarajan Jeyaprakash is an Associate Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, Global College of Engineering and Technology, Muscat, Oman. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2006 and 2009, respectively, and a PhD in production engineering in 2018 at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India. He teaches various postgraduate courses in automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, and laser ultrasound and conducts academic research and consultancy.

Govindarajan Prabu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Graduate Institute of Manufacturing Technology, National Taipei University of Technology. He earned MTech and doctoral degrees at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India. His areas of research include tribology, wear, friction, laser surface treatment, and mechanical characterization.

Che‑Hua Yang is a Professor at the Graduate Institute of Manufacturing Technology, National Taipei University of Technology. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the National Taiwan University in 1984 and master’s and PhD degrees in 1989 and 1991, respectively, at Johns Hopkins University. He has previously been Vice President of National Taipei University of Technology and Director of its Additive Manufacturing Center for Mass Customization Production.