Laser cladding is a welding process that uses a focused laser beam to produce a molten pool on the surface of the part. The metal feed is injected into the molten pool at the same time to completely melt and form deposits. The feed is usually metal powder, but it can also be metal wire. The key to the success of laser cladding is to control the heat entering the substrate, which can maintain the combination of high-strength metallurgy and reduce it at the same time.
The very fast cooling rate associated with laser cladding can produce fine high-strength microstructure, which has little effect on the mechanical properties of the substrate. Various coating materials can be applied, and their components can be designed to resist the service conditions of the parts to be coated. Laser cladding technology is a method of applying dense, metallurgical combination and almost pure coating, which can be used to improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance or impact resistance of metal parts.
In some cases, all three attributes can be improved. This process uses a focused high-power laser beam to create a molten pool and uses metal powder. The powder (carried by the inert gas stream) is blown coaxially. The high accuracy of the laser beam allows dilution (<5%) to achieve dense cladding, and has good metallurgical combination.
Application of laser cladding:
Laser cladding is the process of applying metal coating to the surface of parts using laser as the heat source. This process is often used to create protective coatings to increase functionality and repair damaged or worn surfaces. Laser cladding can prolong the service life of equipment and machinery, in which parts will be corroded, worn or impacted.
For example, the construction equipment industry applies this technology to its products to improve wear resistance and prolong the service life of the equipment. Generally, the coating is added to the substrate by molten metal powder using laser (such as IPG high power multimode fiber laser). Protective coatings such as tungsten carbide, nickel alloy or cobalt alloy can be used for steel alloy or stainless steel substrate. This process produces a solid metallurgical combination and dilutes the base material to enhance the corrosion resistance, wear resistance of the metal.
The main advantages of laser cladding include: dense coating with smooth and consistent surface; Low dilution, small heat affected zone (HAZ); Improve material function (i.e. corrosion, wear and oxidation); Reduce processing time.
Source: Network
