Research Status of Subsequent Machining of Laser Cladding Layers

Background: As an important method of remanufacturing, laser cladding can be used to obtain parts with specific shapes by stacking the materials layer by layer. The formation mechanism of laser cladding determines the “Staircase effect”, which makes the surface quality hardly meet the dimensional accuracy of the parts. Therefore, the subsequent machining must be performed to improve the dimensional accuracy and surface quality of cladding parts. Methods: In this paper, chip formation, cutting force, cutting temperature, tool wear, surface quality, and optimization of cutting parameters in the subsequent cutting of the laser cladding layer are analyzed. Scholars have expounded and studied these five aspects, but the cutting mechanism of laser cladding needs further research. Results: The characteristics of the cladding layer are similar to that of difficult-to-machine materials, and the change of parameters have a significant impact on cutting performance. Conclusion: The research status of subsequent machining of cladding layers is summarized, mainly from the aspects of chip formation, cutting force, cutting temperature, tool wear, surface quality, and cutting parameters optimization. Besides the existing problems and further developments of subsequent machining of cladding layers have been pointed out in this paper. These efforts are helpful in promoting the development and application of laser cladding remanufacturing technology.