Wear Resistant Coatings by Laser Cladding of Garnet

Engineering components used in mining, aerospace, defence, energy and manufacturing operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, where wear, erosion and corrosion can significantly reduce service life and drive up maintenance costs. While laser cladding offers a promising way to protect these components, today’s solutions often rely on expensive, heavy materials that can limit wider adoption.

This three-year project brings together GMA Garnet Group, RMIT University and AMCRC to develop a new generation of ultra-hard ceramic coatings using raw and recycled garnet. By applying advanced laser deposition technology, the team will investigate how garnet can be transformed into lightweight, high-performance coatings that improve durability while reducing material costs and environmental impact.

Building on promising early research, the project will optimise the coating process, validate performance on industrial components and explore applications across multiple substrates. The research also aims to create new opportunities for additive manufacturing through advanced surface engineering and ceramic component production.

By unlocking higher-value applications for garnet mined in Australia, the project has the potential to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability, support more sustainable manufacturing practices and deliver longer-lasting, lower-cost solutions for Australia’s high-value industries.