Laser Coating and Thermal Spraying - Process Basics and Coating Properties

The paper describes the some differences of laser coating (laser cladding or laser spraying) process in comparison to thermal spraying. Laser coating is a novel coating process, which produces coatings with high density, metallurgical bonding and low heat input to the substrate. Laser coating types and coating properties are reviewed and compared with thermally sprayed coatings. Typical application areas of laser coatings are presented.