Direct metal laser deposition of hardfacing alloys on engineering components can improve their life significantly. This work explores the role of laser power and scanning speed on the deposition geometry of Ni5Mo5Al. Variation of cross-sectional morphologies of overlapped deposition tracks with varying process parameters was examined. The results indicated that higher laser power or lower laser scanning speed improves the deposition rate. Near-uniform heights of overlapping deposition tracks were achieved for 600 W laser power and 700 mm/min scanning speed with ∼50% overlap. The depth of penetration was also highest for that parameter combination. The resultant coating exhibited an almost 60% rise in microhardness from the base material, signifying the potential of the deposited material in improving the wear and erosion resistance of engineering components. © 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.