Inconel 625

Why choose laser cladding over solid Inconel 625 or HVOF spraying?

While HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel) spraying and solid Inconel components are both proven solutions, laser cladding offers a smarter, more efficient approach in many industrial scenarios.

• Material efficiency and cost savings
  Instead of manufacturing entire parts from Inconel 625 — which is costly and material-intensive — laser cladding applies a thin, high-performance layer exactly where it’s needed. This drastically reduces Inconel 625 usage and overall material costs.
• Targeted protection, not over-engineering
  Only the functional surfaces are coated, avoiding unnecessary alloy use in low-stress zones. This results in a lighter, more economical component without compromising performance.
• Superior bonding and performance
  Unlike HVOF, which relies on mechanical adhesion, laser cladding forms a metallurgical bond with the base material. The result: a stronger, more durable layer that performs like solid Inconel 625 — but only on the surface. The layer thickness can be tailored to match wear profiles, from sub-millimetre precision to multi-millimetre durability.
• Design flexibility and long-term value
  If the surface layer eventually wears down, it can be machined off and re-applied, extending the component’s life without replacing the whole part. This makes laser cladding ideal for repair, rebuild, and life extension of critical components.

Compared to both solid Inconel parts and HVOF coatings, laser cladding provides the optimal balance of performance, precision, and cost-effectiveness — especially in applications where corrosion, wear, and heat resistance are critical.

What is laser cladding?

Laser cladding uses a laser heat source to deposit a thin layer of Inconel 625 onto a base material, such as carbon steel. This creates a bimetal component with the performance of Inconel 625 where it’s needed, and the cost-efficiency of common steel elsewhere.

Why laser cladding is superior

Compared to other surface treatments, laser cladding offers:

• Low dilution and precise control
• Minimal distortion due to focused heat input, preserving the properties of both the base and the alloy.
• Higher hardness and durability
• Reduced post-processing from thin, smooth layers

Topclad offers proprietary engineered coatings (such as Quarite N) that can even outperform pure Inconel 625 in some applications.