Dilution refers to the mixing ratio between the base metal and the deposited hardfacing alloy during welding or cladding. Too high dilution will reduce the wear and corrosion resistance of the overlay layer, while properly controlled low dilution keeps the performance of hardfacing alloys like Stellite fully functional.
Laser cladding achieves much lower dilution compared with traditional arc hardfacing, making it ideal for precision repair of valves and high-value components.