Laser Cladding
LASER CLADDING
Laser Cladding
The laser cladding process is essentially a welding process utilizing an infinitely controllable laser beam as its heat source. This technology allows for complete metallurgical bonding with minimal HAZ (heat-affected zone) and dilution, along with reducing other undesirable side effects such as oxidation and decarburization. Unlike thermal spray processes, laser cladding can be used to recover or even enhance the mechanical properties of a component or substrate. The ability to clad/weld very thin sections, edges, and complex geometries with an overlay that is metallurgically superior to the substrate makes the previously impossible possible.
Benefits of Laser Cladding
- Minimized HAZ
- Metallurgical bond
- Surface modification (heat treating)
- Broad range of materials/overlays
- Very low heat input
- Greatly reduced decarburization
Applications of Laser Cladding
- Diaphragms
- Guide vanes
- Pumps
- Wear rings
- Shafts
- Rotors
- Blades
- Pilot nozzles
- Transition pieces
- Combustion
- Liner/baskets
- Seal faces
- Risers
- Oil tools
Laser Cladding Materials
- Stainless steel alloys – 304, 316L, 410, 420
- Corrosion resistant alloys – Hast-X®, 625, 718
- Hardfacing alloys – Stellite® 1, 6, 12, 20, 21 Colomonoy® 69, 88,
- Durum® 059, Triballoy®T-800
- Tungsten carbide composites – 50%, 60%, 70% WC
- Aluminum bronze
Equipment Summary
- 4kW disc laser, coaxial nozzle, six-axis robot with two-axis positioner, 680 kg (1500 lb) max capacity.
- 4kW disc laser, coaxial nozzle, six-axis robot with two-axis positioner, 2040kg (4500 lb) max capacity.