Quality evaluation of multi-path laser cladding coatings based on integrated fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and improved analytical hierarchy process method

Laser cladding processes have a wide range of applications for enhancement and surface modification of material characteristics. However, due to their coating formation's complexity, there is no practical method to value the claddings quality. In this paper, a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) model and the evaluation process are proposed. The quality evaluation index framework is demonstrated from the macroscopic profile, microstructure, and mechanical properties, and the assessment indexes are weighted by an improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) approach. Each indicator quantifies at four degrees. A stepwise affiliation function is used to calculate each indicator's affiliation at different degrees, then used to assess the project's quality level. This approach can help to improve surface quality analysis' reliability and optimize processing parameters.