Improving the surfaces of metallic mechanical part to make them wear and corrosion resistance is a vital step in the manufacturing process. There are a number of technologies used to realize this step. One of the popularly Laser Cladding, a welding technique that involves fusing two metals layer by layer. This is the most efficient way to enhance the surface properties of the metallic components.
In layman’s language laser cladding technology is used to create a connecting layer between a coating material and base material, which gives the required geometry to the end product.
The major challenges faced by the manufactures to get the perfect finesse of the end products is porosity, applied surface, mixing of layers. All these challenges can be nullified with the use of laser cladding technology. This technology is compatible with all the different metallurgical properties. It offers metal fusion with minimal dilution of the material and substrate and helps to maintain its original properties.
Types of Laser Cladding
• Wire Feed Laser Cladding: In this way, a drum is used to expose the coating material in the form of wire to the laser.
• Pre-Placed Powder Laser Cladding: In this method, the substrate material is covered with coating powder and then exposed to the laser beam.
• Powder Injection Laser cladding: This process involves injecting the metal powder through a co-axial nozzle and then a laser beam is used to melt the coating material.
Process of Laser Cladding Technology
• A metal powder is injected into the system using coaxial or lateral nozzles.
• The workpiece is melted due to the interaction between laser and powder and creates a metal pool.
• This metal pool is then deposited on a substrate to solidify the workpiece.
• Another process of solidification involves laser assembly on an immobile substrate.
• The end part or workpiece is created with the help of the CAD system, which interpolates solid objects in the desired design.
• This technology is becoming more and more automated these days, A multi-axis industrial robot, sensors to understand the CAD’s geometry, etc.
Applications of Laser Cladding Technology
Laser Cladding technology has a wide range of applications especially in the automotive, FMCG, Medical, and manufacturing industry. It is usually used to refurbishment, create and repair components like tools, shafts, blades, turbines, drilling tools, etc. The aim of implementing laser cladding technology is repair welding, surface cladding, and part manufacturing.
The popular tools and components made using laser cladding technology are –
• Drilling tools
• Agricultural machinery
• hydraulic cylinders
• heat exchangers
• bearing journals
• shaft (turbo, Propeller
• Cast Iron Parts
• Exhaust Valves
• Rotors
• Turbine
• Piston Rods
Advantages of Laser Cladding Technology
• Reduced manufacturing time
• Increased thermal control
• Precision repairing of parts
• High bonding strength
• 80% energy saving
• 70% of material saving
• Highly flexible system and technology
• Durability
• Production of complex geometry
• Low dilution between base and substrate
• High cooling rate
• Surface finish
• Low maintenance
• Low deformation
Conclusion
The laser cladding technology proves to be one of the effective ways to produce and repair metal components. If you are finding an economical way to get a laser-equipped solution for cladding then you can contact MikroInnotech India Pvt Ltd.
