LASER CLADDING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SPRAY WELDING

The Laser Cladding process uses a laser beam to form a melt pool on a metallic substrate. Metal powder or metal wire is injected directly into the melt pool, and the deposited metal then cools in a controlled and consistent pattern, creating a full metallurgical bond with the substrate.

Laser Cladding typically involves in adding only few layers of deposited material to dimensionally restore or enhance the surface characteristics of an existing component, in a process referred to as Surface Enhancement.

Typical Surface Enhancement applications involve the addition of a wear and / or corrosion resistant layer to a substrate material. Compared to competing cladding techniques such as TIG or MIG process, laser cladding delivers substantially less heat to the substrate. This results in minimal distortion, minimal dilution of the deposited or substrate material, and low Heat Affected Zone [HAZ] in the existing component.

BENEFITS OF LASER CLADDING

Laser Cladding makes a profitable business case in applications that require:

• Minimal to no distortion– for example, parts such as motor shafts, hubs bearing journals
• Minimal post machining – for example, oil and gas drilling components with Tungsten Carbide coatings
• Minimal dilution of the deposited or substrate material – for example, corrosion resistant coatings on cylinders and seal surfaces
• No delamination or debonding – Laser Cladding is a superior alternative to thermal spray or chrome coatings.

LASER CLADDING ADVANCED CAPABILITIES

• Maximum part diameter: 5.0 ft (1.52 m)
• Maximum length: 20 ft (6.1 m)
• Maximum weight: 15,500 lbs (7000 kg)
• Internal Diameter [ID] cladding: Minimum ID 1.5”

MATERIALS