Characteristics of Cr-B Coatings Produced on Vanadis(®) 6 Tool Steel Using Laser Processing

The paper presents the results of a study of the microstructure, chemical composition, microhardness and corrosion resistance of Cr-B coatings produced on Vanadis 6 tool steel. In this study, chromium and boron were added to the steel surface using a laser alloying process. The main purpose of the study was to determine the impact of those chemical elements on surface properties. Chromium and boron as well as their mixtures were prepared in various proportions and then were applied on steel substrate in the form of precoat of 100 µm thickness. Depending on the type of precoat used and laser processing parameters, changes in microstructure and properties were observed. Coatings produced using precoat containing chromium and boron mixture were characterized by high microhardness (900 HV0.05–1300 HV0.005) while maintaining good corrosion resistance. It was also found that too low laser beam power contributed to the formation of cracks and porosity.