Multi-sensor data fusion for the characterisation of laser cladded cermet coatings

In this work, we investigate the use of multi-sensor data fusion to characterise innovative materials combined with advanced manufacturing processes. A metal matrix composite coating produced by directed energy deposition, more specifically a Ti-6Al-4V (WC/W2C) cermet, obtained from titanium-alloy metal wire and tungsten carbide ceramic powder is selected as the test case. A wide-spectrum characterisation of chemical, microstructural, surface and mechanical properties is needed to investigate relationships with manufacturing process parameters. As multiple measurement technologies are therefore needed, a multi-sensor data fusion approach is discussed. For the test case, scanning electron microscopy, optical areal topography measurement, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and instrumented indentation testing to measure nano-hardness are integrated to obtain topography,microstructure, geometrical and chemical properties of the constituent phases and their spatial arrangement. The proposed method for multi-sensor data fusion focuses on co-localisation as a means to enable correlation of the datasets. In this work, the method is applied in particular to the investigation of the phases in the laser deposited cermet, and of the interfaces where the phase transitions take place.