Method of applying a wear-resistant composite coating to an article

Abstract

a method of applying a wear-resistant composite coating to an article is disclosed which includes the steps of depositing a plurality of wear-resistant particles having a predetermined melting point along with a lower melting point element in solid form onto the surface of the article, focusably directing a coherent beam of electromagnetic energy thereon at a power density level sufficient to melt the element and a limited surface portion of the article while retaining the particles in substantially solid form, and removing the beam therefrom to allow solidification of the melted portion thereof into a matrix in which the wear-resistant particles are embedded. Advantageously this method provides a thin diffusion zone and a hardened zone underneath it to better support the coating.

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