ASTM A743-CA6NM martensitic stainless steel have been used in hydraulic turbines manufacturing, but show some restrictions in welded recovered areas. Different techniques have been applied in order to reduce or eliminate residual stress, with life increase. The deposition of cavitation resistant coatings is another important way to increase the service life of these components. The objective of this study is evaluate the influence of type and intensity of plasma remelting current on the microstructure, chemical composition and microhardness of the Fe-Cr-Mn-Si cavitation resistant coatings deposited by arc thermal spray process on CA6NM steel. It was observed that lower level of current, as well as, the use of pulsed current reduce ferrite δ layer and HAZ thickness, reducing base metal modifications during coating remelting. It was observed that base metal dilution alterations did not promote any significant modification on microstructure and microhardness of the remelted coatings. Constant arc remelting current promoted a microstructure alignment with plasma torch dislocation, this behavior was not observed in pulsed current remelted coatings.
Heat affected zone; Martensitic stainless steel; Surface alloying
