Laser heat treatment of nickel-based alloys – a review

Abstract In this paper researches which focus on laser heat treatment of nickel-based alloys are reviewed. Studies published from 1970s until today are taken into consideration. Publications which focus on influence of laser thermal processing on surface layer condition both on solid materials and pre-deposited coatings are described. Laser technologies in which additional materials are delivered during the process are not considered. In order to focus on studies investigating microstructural changes resulting mainly from material remelting, laser shock processing is also disregarded.