Laser cladding uses a laser beam to fuse competely the desired material onto a substrate material for superior wear resistance. The clad material may be similar to the substrate material (in the case of repairs) or it may offer enhanced corrosion resistance, wear resistance or hardness.  Typically, it is applied as a powder and is available in a wide variety of metals. 

The “melt pool” formed when the laser reacts with the powder is precisely controlled- practically "surgical" in comparison to other welding processes. This finely defined process gives laser cladding significant advantages over traditional welding or hardfacing.

Metallurgical bond: 
Laser cladding creates a strong integral metallurgical bond between the substrate and the hardface. Compare this to mechanical coating methods that can chip and flake away.

Very low and Controllable Heat Input:
With a laser, thermal input into the part is precisely controlled. This allows for minimal dilution between the parent metal and the surface. The heat affected zone in the parent material is negligible. The original properties of the parent material remain unaffected.

Little to no Distortion:
Small parts, previously unable to be hardfaced, can now be coated without distortion. For parts of all sizes, hardfacing is possible after final machining. The minimizing of distortion, low heat input and precision of application allow us to lay surfaces as thin as 0.015 inches and as thick as desired.

Exceptional Parameter Control:
Besides heat control, various other parameters in the laser cladding process can be accurately controlled. The small spot size of the beam and use of CNC machinery enables precise placement of the weld pool. Our ability to control the exact position and thickness of the coating eliminates undercutting and other complicating variables inherent in other methods.  As well, cooling is rapid, processing time is reduced and post clad finishing is minimized.  

Repairs and Reworks that Exceed Original Specifications:
With laser cladding we can rework finished parts that have been unexpectedly rendered unusable during the manufacturing process. As well, parts that have been damanged in service can be repaired. In the case of reworks and repairs, laser cladding will not destroy original tolerances. This saves cost and preserves material that would otherwise be discarded. In most cases, the rework material will exceed the performance specifications of new parts manufactured by conventional means.