Effect of Cryogenics-Assisted Low-Plasticity Burnishing on Laser-Clad Stellite 6 over SS420 Substrate

The influence of modern additive manufacturing methods, especially from the direct energy deposition (DED) processes to the coat-like finished components, is crucial under present industrial circumstances. DED induces several traits like enhanced mechanical, thermal properties in shorter lead time, which extend their adaptation for diverse applications including aerospace and automobile industries. Among the several DED processes, laser cladding has been a prospect that explores various capabilities of improving the wear resistance of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr)-based alloys. Rather than fabricating the complete component using expensive alloys, laser cladding has paved an approach to deposit particles possessing superior qualities over the conventional material. This research work attempts to evaluate the surface integrity of SS420 when cladded with Stellite 6. The vertical face milling is executed on the cladded component surface to facilitate either low-plasticity burnishing (LPB) or cryogenic burnishing (CB) as sequential post-treatment processes. The effects of these post-treatments on the surface and subsurface microhardness, surface topography and residual stress profiles are elaborated. Increased surface and subsurface microhardness, as well as improved residual stress profiles, are observed with CB over LPB-processed specimen samples.