Laser surfacing experiments were carried out using high alloy high, strength compact graphite iron Darcast (3.5%C, 2%Si, 0.85%Mn, 0.9%Cu) and ductile cast iron SS0732 (3.4-3.85%C, 2.3-3.1%Si, 0.1-0.3%Mn) substrate materials with a view to developing a crack-free surfacing process for use on piston rings. The cladding material used was a nickel based chromium carbide powder. Tracks 20 mm wide and 1-2 mm thick were created using heat input of 1700-3000 J/mm; pre- and post-heating using induction heating equipment was used to prevent cracking. Based on the experiments, parameters suitable for laser surfacing of SS0732 piston rings were selected and applied