Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Electron beam glazing has been used to reprocess hardfacing deposits of conventional Stellite 6 alloy, and TiC, TiB2 particle strengthened Stellite 6. By varying the scanning mode and power density, a wide variety of microstructures have been developed, with significant increases in hardness. Single-pass line source scanning produces a distribution of moderately sized carbides (2–5μm) in a dendritic matrix, whereas multi-pass processing gives a more homogeneous refined microstructure with submicron carbides. Point source scanning, in contrast, produces the most refined microstructures. Effective control of the carbide distribution, including both fine and coarse carbides, may be the key to tailoring the microstructure for specific wear applications.