Laser cladding technology, known also as laser deposition, involves the addition of a specific material to a different surface.
Laser cladding involves feeding a stream of melted powder or wire, generated by a laser source, into a targeted surface. This type of material allows materials to be deposited accurately and with minimal heat input into the underlying substrate.

The laser cladding process allows to improve the durability. Moreover, the technology can be used in order to fix and renew deteriorated surfaces.

Laser deposition is performed using raw materials reduced to powder. The laser melts the surface of the product being processed, while simultaneously adding the powder. Due to the high powered laser, the exposure time is limited, allowing for rapid solidification and cooling times.

Laser cladding advantages

  • The deposition process can be done with high precision levels.

  • Wide range of choice concerning the types of materials

  • Low levels of distortion/deformation

  • The deposition is perfectly melted with the substrate, showing virtually zero porosity levels

  • Reduced production times

     

  • Low operating and maintenance costs

Applicable materials

Laser cladding can be executed with a variety of materials, including:

•       Aluminium alloys (Al-(Mg)-Si)

•       Cobalt alloys (Co, C, Cr, W)

•       Copper alloys

•       Nichel alloys (Ni-Cr-B-Si)

•       Stainless steel (Fe, Cr, Ni)

•       Superalloys (Ni, Co, Mo, Cr, Si)

•       Titanium alloys

•       Tool steel (Fe, C, Cr, V)

•       Carbides (WC, TiC, CBN)

This wide range of materials shows that laser cladding can be implemented in a wide selection of industrial applications, including surface enhancement. Materials such as tungsten carbide, offer durability which is ideal for cladding applications

Applications

Laser cladding is suitable to many industrial applications, which cover areas of interest such as agriculture, aerospatial and energy applications. 

Cutting tools

Laser coated materials can be used as protective layers for cutting tools in order to prevent weary and corrosion. Different coating thickness can be obtained in order to meet various needs.

Heat exchangers

Heat exchanger can suffer from deterioration due to the contact with corrosive liquids and gas. Laser cladding implemented with nichel alloys can help to prevent cracks in the heat exchangers, also improving the resistance to weary and high temperatures.

Hydraulic cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders may require a coating in order to reduce corrosion effects. In the past, chrome plating was the main procedure when dealing with hydraulic cylinders, but in the last years the process has been replaced with laser cladding, mainly due to ecological issues, in fact chrome plating was a polluting process.

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