To explore the optimal process parameters of wire-feed laser cladding for 7034 aluminum alloy and thereby avoid surface defects while enhancing the mechanical properties of the cladding layer

this study conducted cladding experiments using a high-power fiber laser system integrated with a high-precision push-pull wire feeder. The macroscopic morphology

microstructure

phase composition

and mechanical properties of TiC-reinforced 7034 aluminum alloy cladding layers were systematically investigated. The results indicate that among the parameters of laser power

scanning speed

and wire feeding speed

laser power predominantly governs the macroscopic morphology of the cladding layer. With increasing laser power

the average grain size increased due to elevated thermal input and reduced cooling rates during deposition. Furthermore

TiC nanoparticles acted as heterogeneous nucleation sites

effectively impeding grain growth at the solidification front

which refined grain size and promoted the formation of equiaxed grains. The mechanical properties of the samples exhibited inhomogeneity. Under the deposition parameters of laser power 4800 W

scanning speed 1000 mm/min

and wire feeding speed 3.2 m/min

the 7034 aluminum alloy demonstrated optimal performance

achieving a maximum elongation of 8.78% and a tensile strength of 326.39 MPa.