Study of aluminium–copper–iron alloys: application for laser cladding

The modifications brought to aluminium by addition of copper and iron are investigated after rapid surface solidification by a CO2 laser. In order to carry out an exhaustive study, the laser surface alloys are obtained using a precoating process. Samples are characterised using microscopic examination, X-ray diffraction and hardness measurement. The optimum composition (42 wt.% Cu–5 wt.% Fe) is selected for its fine and homogeneous microstructure (Al2Cu and Al7Cu2Fe phases) and its high hardness (370 Hv0.2).