Laser Cladding delivers precision in repair, surface coating and performance
A revolutionary manufacturing technology that harnesses the potential of high-powered laser beams to produce coatings and structures of the highest performance and quality, laser cladding is preferred for manufacturing processes across virtually all industry sectors. Used for dimensional repair, surface performance modification through coating application, and for additive manufacturing, laser cladding makes it possible to print macro scale features on existing components produced through traditional subtractive manufacturing. As a result, it meets the challenges of surface coating, repair and rapid design changes of components and tools used in modern manufacturing technology.
From the Automotive Industry to Oil Field
Advanced laser-based techniques are of critical importance for the related applications in mould and tool, aircraft and aerospace, as well as automotive industry, mining, construction and agriculture. This process is also used to alter surface performance to maintain the mechanical strength and ductility requirements of the substrate. Surface modification is critical for components exposed to aggressive environments where steels alone do not have appreciable lifespans if left untreated. Abrasive wear experienced by tools and components in natural resource extraction based industries is a major area of application of laser clad coatings.
Ensuring Production Success
Directional drilling applications are a prime example where laser produced coatings are necessary to ensure production success. When an in-hole tool failure occurs, the cost of replacing that tool is compounded by the time spent removing it from the hole. However, when laser clad coatings are applied to both internal and external drilling tools, the success rate of drilling operations is enhanced and tool performance and lifetime are maximized. Laser cladding is particularly attractive in printing structural features on existing components that have been manufactured using traditional methods. A combined or hybrid manufacturing approach is used where laser clad additive manufacturing prints material onto an existing surface produced through subtractive manufacturing. This revolutionary manufacturing technique capitalizes on the ability to produce unique structures and features through additive processes, while incorporating the speed and cost benefits of traditional subtractive manufacturing capabilities available today.
