Single Ni 3 Al intermetallic compound phase coating was successfully in-situ synthesized by laser cladding with preplaced Ni and Al mixed powders. The phase composition and microstructure of the Ni 3 Al coating were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of laser cladding parameters on the microstructure and tribological properties of the Ni 3 Al coating were investigated. It was found that the laser power density and energy density had a crucial influence on the microstructure and tribological properties of the Ni 3 Al coatings. The Ni 3 Al coating synthesized under the lower power density and energy density had a dense and fine microstructure as well as some excellent properties such as higher and homogeneous distribution microhardness, lower friction coefficient and wear rate.