CLADDING TECHNOLOGY SHANXI CO., LTDMagnetic Field Control of Microstructure and Properties of Plasma Arc Cladding Layer
Literature Overview
The 2005 study by Liu Zhengjun, Su Yunhai, Liu Chen, Liu Duo, Li Yongkui, and Wang Detao from Shenyang University of Technology and Shenyang Institute of Metrological Science investigates the influence of magnetic field application on the microstructure and mechanical properties of plasma arc cladding deposits. Published in Welding, this research represents an innovative approach to microstructure control through external field manipulation, addressing the challenge of achieving fine-grained, homogeneous microstructures in plasma arc cladding without modifying the base material or filler composition.
Plasma transferred arc (PTA) cladding is widely used for surface engineering applications due to its high deposition rate, low dilution, and excellent process control. However, the microstructure of PTA deposits is often coarse and heterogeneous, limiting mechanical properties. The application of external magnetic fields offers a non-invasive method to influence solidification behavior and phase transformation.
Core Technical Approach
The researchers applied static or rotating magnetic fields during the plasma arc cladding process and investigated their effects on:
- Solidification microstructure: Grain size, morphology, and orientation
- Phase composition: Carbide type, distribution, and volume fraction
- Mechanical properties: Hardness, toughness, and wear resistance
- Residual stress: Distribution and magnitude of welding residual stress
The experimental setup included:
- Plasma arc cladding system with adjustable current, voltage, and travel speed
- Magnetic field generation system (electromagnet or permanent magnet array)
- Magnetic field strength: 0.1–2.0 T
- Field orientation: Parallel or perpendicular to the welding direction
- Field configuration: Static or rotating
The base material was typically carbon steel or low-alloy steel, and the filler material was a high-chromium alloy (e.g., Cr15 or Cr25) producing martensitic or cast iron microstructures.