Laser Cladding
Laser Cladding is also a great alternative to hard chrome plating as it has low heat input, this is particularly important when larger deposits of material are required to rebuild a dimension. The laser cladding process is a method of applying a fully dense, metallurgically bonded and virtually pure coating which can be used to increase the wear resistance, corrosion resistance or impact performance of metallic components. In some cases, all three of the properties can be improved. The process utilises a precisely focused high-power laser beam to create a weld pool into which a metallic powder is applied. The powder (which is carried by a stream of inert shielding gas) is blown coaxially through the laser beam. The highly accurate nature of the laser beam allows fully dense cladding with minimal dilution (<5%), yet with a perfect metallurgical bond. The precise nature of the process allows the quality of the coating to be accurately controlled. The key to successful laser cladding is controlling the heat input into the base material, which can be minimized whilst maintaining a high strength metallurgical bond. The very fast cooling rate associated with laser cladding has the effect of producing fine high strength microstructures with minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the base material. The MET-CLAD system offers control and integration of the entire cladding process. The system offers control of the process gases, cooling system, laser, powder feed and automation interface safely via an intuitive, touch-screen interface.
Benefits
- Cost effective application of thin welded coatings 0.5 – 5mm.
- Achieve correct chemistry in a single pass due to low dilution.
- Huge range of cladding materials available.
- Can clad onto traditionally “unweldable” materials and components due to very small heat affected zones.
- Minimal distortion due to very low heat input.
- Very accurate and repeatable.
- Excellent surface finish.
- Easily automated.
Typical Applications
- Ball valves.
- Hydraulic rods.
- Boiler components.
- Wear plates.
- Down hole stabilisers.
- Coal and ore crushing hammers.
- Sand valves.
- Hardness and corrosion resistance.
For more information on Laser systems, Click Here.
For more information on Metal Spray equipment or consumables, call us on 07 3823 1004, or email us using our contact form.
