Laser Cladding Technology

Laser Cladding A laser beam is used to generate a melt pool on the surface of a metal workpiece. A metal powder is fed into the melt pool, and rapidly solidifies forming a track. Deposits are 100% dense and metallurgically bonded to the substrate. Advantages The laser cladding process has a minimal heat input into the part compared to PTA, TIG or MIG weld processes. This leads to the following benefits: - Very low dilution with substrate - Uniformly dispersed hard particles in metal matrix - Fine deposit microstructures - Precise control of build-up height - Reduced distortion / heat input into base part Laser Cladded Layers for Wear or Corrosion Resistance Laser cladding can be used for weld overlaying of parts with wear or corrosion resistant alloys. For wear resistance, a wide variety of commercially available Nickel, Cobalt and Iron alloy powders can be used. For the highest level of wear protection, mixtures of metal powder with tungsten, chrome or vanadium carbides are utilized.
Oil Drilling Tool with Tungsten Carbide Wear Coating

Laser Cladding for Repair Laser cladding can be used as a method to rebuild damaged or worn areas of valuable machine components, dies or molds. Laser build up welding produces 100% dense, near net shape structures that require minimal post-process machining.

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Build-up of a turbine blade edge

Laser Cladding Process

Turbine Blades Repaired with Laser

Laser Cladded Spherical Tungsten Carbide / Nickel alloy Layer

What We Offer - Integration of turn-key systems for laser cladding - Powder cladding nozzles - Feasibility studies & process optimization - On-site process support & troubleshooting
Phone: 734 738 0550

Process Characteristics The laser cladded deposit width and height can be adjusted with the focal optics, according to the application requirements. The process deposition rate goes up with increasing laser power. Track Width: 0.5 8mm Single layer Height: 0.1 2.5mm Suitable Materials: Co-, Ni-, Fe-, Al-, Ti- and Cu-alloys, as well as hard material powders (tungsten, chrome or vanadium carbides) in metal matrix
www.ccl.fraunhofer.org

e-mail: laserinfo@fraunhofer.org

Fraunhofer Koax8 with YAG optics mounting

Fraunhofer Laser Cladding Nozzles Through years of experience in laser cladding process development, Fraunhofer has developed laser cladding nozzles for a variety of applications. Basic configurations include coaxial powder feeding (Koax series,) and side axis feeding (Cyclone nozzle.) The nozzles are suitable for CO2, YAG, and diode wavelengths. Nozzles can be customized according to the needs of the customer.

Cyclone Series The Fraunhofer Cyclone nozzle is a side-axis feed design. It is suitable for processes with a single travel direction. The nozzle is easy to use and maintain.

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Koax Series The Fraunhofer Koax series of nozzle feeds powder concentric to the laser beam. This allows for direction independence of the process. Nozzle tips can be configured for precision deposition or for high deposition rates.

Fraunhofer Cyclone Nozzle with XYZ positioning unit

Laser Cladding System Integration Fraunhofer offers its expertise in laser cladding and process equipment to perform system integration of turn-key cladding systems. We can provide you with the latest in laser technology for a cost-effective solution for coating or repair of your components. Systems can be built with CNC or robotic handling systems, and with CO2 or fiber delivered lasers (YAG, diode, fiber or disk.) With its systems Fraunhofer performs on-site training & support of your personnel, to help you master the process.
Robotic Workcell for Laser Hardening and Cladding of Machine Components

CNC Laser Cladding System for Large Oil Drilling Components

e-mail: laserinfo@fraunhofer.org

Phone: 734 738 0550

www.ccl.fraunhofer.org