TY - JOUR A1 - Brand, Marco A1 - Utu, Ion-Dragos A1 - Sirbu, Nicusor-Alin A1 - Perianu, Ion-Aurel A1 - Predu, Denis Andrei A1 - Marginean, Gabriela T1 - Microstructural Characteristics of Graded Ni-Fe Coatings Fabricated Through DED-L T2 - Materials (Special Issue Advanced Coating Research for Metal Surface Protection) N2 - Directed Energy Deposition-Laser (DED-L) enables high-performance coatings through melting and successive powder deposition. Its compositional flexibility suits functionally graded layers that enhance corrosion and wear resistance. This study aimed to improve parameters for producing dense, defect-free, graded Ni- and Fe-based coatings by varying the scanning speed and deposition strategy (monodirectional versus bidirectional, with/without layer rotation), while keeping the power and hatch distance constant. Laser and electron microscopy were used to link parameters to porosity and uniformity. Optimal settings minimized pores, improved interlayer bonding and preserved geometry; inadequate parameters yielded porous, irregular deposits. A bidirectional path with 90° rotation appeared best. Ongoing research activities are needed to assess its properties. Highlights What are the main findings? - Bidirectional samples show fewer pores than samples with monodirectional movement. - Increasing the scanning speed leads to lower porosity (bidirectional scanning mode with 90° layer rotation). - Bidirectional deposition with 90° layer rotation exhibits best quality What are the implications of the main findings? - Systematic study of scanning speed and deposition strategy. - Practical guidance for process improvement of graded metal coatings; properties under evaluation. - Functionally graded Ni-Fe coatings fabricated by DED-L with tailored microstructures. KW - parameter study KW - directed energy deposition-laser KW - functionally graded materials KW - deposition strategy KW - powder processing KW - surface protection Y1 - 2026 UR - https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-w-hs/frontdoor/index/index/docId/4913 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1010-opus4-49138 SN - 1996-1944 VL - 2026 IS - 19 (2) PB - MDPI ER -