3.2.1. Experimental Tests with 400 W

Table 5 shows that, for the same energy density value, width, dilution depth and height of the track decrease as the concentration of helium grows. The results show very similar height, width, and dilution in all cases. Wet angle presents also differences between the tests, but the main variation is for the Helistar 50.

#### **Table 5.** Measurements for different gases at 400 W.

Regarding the wet angles, the optimal values should not exceed 65◦. In this case, the parameter combination of 400 W laser power and selected powder mass flow is not adequate to obtain optimum wet angles.

Due to possible variations in the measurements of the clads, the experimental tests were repeated three times. Average values of the measurements are presented in Table 6 with average absolute deviation around the mean (MAD) value in brackets.


