Plasma transferred arc surface modification of a low carbon steel

The potential of Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) hardfacing goes beyond the surface welding of superalloys. This work evaluated low carbon steel surface modification by PTA deposition of fine WCoC carbides, and mixtures of Fe powders and 5-35 wt% carbides. Characterization included visual inspection, optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and microhardness profiles. PTA processing allowed for the dissolution of carbides confirmed by X-ray diffraction, leading to homogeneous microstructures. Microstructures varied from a Widmanstatten morphology to a typical dendritic solidification structure upon the WCoC content. Surface soundness depended on powder preparation and composition. Sound surfaces exhibiting hardness up to 700 Hv were obtained for the 35 wt% WCoC powder mixture.