Laser cladding, an emerging surface treatment technology, has been widely popularized and applied in metal surface modification and metal spare parts repair in large area.
As for cladding materials, there is a wide range of varieties, such as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-base alloy and ceramic phase materials, of which composition is free from metallurgical thermodynamics. Using laser cladding, high-melting materials can be cladded on the surface of low-melting substrate. When cladding layer binds up with substrate to form a metallurgical bonded coating after solidification, the substrate materials will be much higher in resistance to wear and corrosion.
At present, the applicable laser generator is usually at the power of 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12kW. But specific laser power may also depend on the type and usage occasion of cladding materials.
On the basis of powder feeding ways, laser cladding machines can support preset or synchronized type.
When using preset powder feeding, it means that alloy powder will be covered on substrate surface in advance, then, laser beam scans across pre-cladding layer. After taking in laser energy, the above layer rises in temperature and begins to melt. Meanwhile, the surface heat is passed inwards through heat conduction. As a result, a metallurgical bonded coating is about to take its shape after laser beam leaves and the molten metal quickly solidifies on substrate surface. Its advantages are high efficiency, uniform coating layer and firm binding with substrate. But, it also has the disadvantages of inflexibility and failure of cladding some special-shaped and small workpieces. This technically mature craft is now applied in the strengthening of axle parts of coal mine machinery, steelworks, petroleum drilling and so on.
In regard to synchronized powder feeding, special powder feeder, together with powder feeding pipe and airflow, is usually used to feed alloy materials to the waiting area. Now, the mainstream type lies in coaxial feeding, that is, powder and laser arrive at substrate surface simultaneously. In this way, the substrate receives less heat input, better quality of cladding layer and lower degree of surface roughness. At this moment, only simple work is needed to make cladding layer much smoother. Hence, this mode is fitted for cladding the special-shaped workpieces. Working with a manipulator, complex stereo workpiece is also easy to be cladded without any disassembly. As thus, this laser cladding will be high in speed when coaxial powder feeding is put into use. In spite of its maturity, it is highly demanding on powder feeding devices, shielding gas, cladding units, etc.
Laser cladding machine is categorized by mobile, high-speed, robot-assisted, integrated and special type based on its shape and area of application.
The mobile laser cladding machine is a kind of 3D device specially engineered for worn rails and on-site repair of large workpiece. It is able to satisfy the requirements of multiple working conditions.
The high-speed laser cladding machine is featured by high laser power, reliability, efficiency and powder utilization, which can meet challenging requirements of complex industrial production environment.
As for robot-assisted workstation, complex-shaped workpieces including axial, planar and curved surface will be well cladded.
The integrated laser cladding machine is special for axial workpieces. In addition to outer surface, cladding the inner wall is also available. This multi-purpose machine helps to cut down on the overall costs of purchase.
Moreover, we offer custom-made solutions according to your actual demands, such as, positioner, mechanical arm and multi-axis linkage, in order to enable various cladding works. Our supporting materials and crafts can surely satisfy different customers.
With the constant development and advances in modern science and technology, laser cladding machines will be accordingly upgraded and enjoy a more promising and brighter future.
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