Abstract: Disclosed is a method for affixing a metal cladding to a metal base. The method includes: heating the metal cladding and a surface of the metal base with a heating device to create a molten metal pool having molten metal cladding layered upon molten metal base material in the metal base; stabilizing a temperature gradient of the molten metal pool with a laser beam directed into the molten metal pool; and cooling the molten metal pool to affix solidified cladding to the metal base.

Abstract: A component and a method of processing a component are disclosed. The method includes providing a base metal having a feature, removing the feature to form a processed region, applying a first layer to the processed region, and applying a second layer to the first layer. The base metal, the first layer, and the second layer each have predetermined thermal expansion coefficients, yield strengths, and elongations. The processed component includes the first layer applied to a processed region of the base metal and a second layer applied to the first layer.

Abstract: A method of welding a joint includes directing a first output from a high energy density heat source, such as a laser, against a first side of the joint. The method further includes directing a second output from an arc welding heat source, such as a gas metal arc welding torch, against a second side of the joint. The first output produces a keyhole surrounded by a molten metal pool which extends from the first side of the joint toward the second side of the joint. In some embodiments a third output from a second arc welding heat source may also be directed at the first side of the joint. A second molten metal pool produced by the arc welding heat source joins with the first molten metal pool and the third molten metal pool to form a common molten metal pool which solidifies to form the weld.

Abstract: A plated substrate comprises a plating layer disposed outwardly from a substrate. The substrate comprises a substrate material, where the substrate material comprises a metal. The plating layer comprises a plating material and blocking particles. The plating material comprises grains, and the blocking particles are disposed within interstices between the grains. The blocking particles are scattered substantially uniformly throughout at least a portion of the plating layer, and contribute to formation of boundaries.