AbstractSurfaces can be changed to suit a particular purpose by means of laser coatings. The method features advantages compared with other surface treatment processes, e.g. it requires scarcely any finishing off and provides high reproducibility, ease of automation, and minimum consumption of expensive alloying elements. Applications for laser coating are to be found principally in the automobile industry, in the aerospace sector, and in general mechanical engineering. Coatings giving protection against wear are deposited. A further application is the repair of damaged or worn component locations/contours. The examples given below demonstrate how laser coatings can be applied to advantage.