1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study uses laser metal deposition (LMD) to clad multi-layered Stellite-6/WC composites with different compositions on S45C substrates, aiming to create functionally graded materials (FGMs) with property gradients. The LMD system includes two powder feeders for controlled mixing ratios.

2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:

S45C steel substrates are used. Powders of Stellite-6 and WC-12wt.%Co are selected as coating materials, with their morphology and size distribution analyzed using SEM.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Equipment includes an LMD system with semiconductor lasers (wavelength 975 nm), two powder feeders (A and B), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Vickers microhardness tester. Materials include Stellite-6 powder, WC-12wt.%Co powder, and S45C substrates.

4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

Powders are provided vertically on substrates; laser melting is performed with specific parameters (spot size

5：3 mm, laser power 100 W for 1st layer and 120 W for 2nd and 3rd layers, feeding rate 10 mm/s). Three layers are clad:

1st layer pure Stellite-6, 2nd layer mixtures with varying WC-12wt.%Co feeding rates (10, 15, 20, 25 mg/s), 3rd layer pure WC-12wt.%Co. Cross-sections are observed with OM, and hardness is measured with Vickers tests.

6：Data Analysis Methods:

Microstructure is analyzed qualitatively from OM images; hardness data is plotted as a function of depth, and results are compared to microstructural observations.