High specific strength and corrosion resistance are the important characteristics of Ti–6Al–4V. Relatively soft and inferior wear resistive properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy restrict further scope of exotic applications. In the present study, attempts were carried out to improve tribological properties of Ti–6Al–4V surface by preplacing B4C, hBN and Ti powders over the substrate and irradiating it with a fibre laser in an argon shroud. Clad layers, consisting of in situ multicomponents such as TiB2, TiN, TiO2, VN, V2O3, C, etc., were developed in the coating matrix. The effects of change in laser scanning speed on coating properties were studied extensively. Microhardness of the tailored surface was improved up to 2200 HV0·05 as compared to a microhardness value of 350 HV0·05 of the untreated Ti–6Al–4V substrate. The wear performance of the hard coating was tested with universal wear testing machine and analysed.
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