Laser Cladding Machine

Deewi Automation: Your Premier Manufacturer, Supplier, and Exporter of High-Quality Laser Cladding Machines.

What is Laser Cladding Machine?

As the name suggests, the Laser Cladding Machine utilizes lasers to harden the surface of workpieces. Laser cladding involves the use of a high-energy-density laser beam to melt welding materials and the substrate surface, achieving surface hardening. It’s worth noting that typical laser welding results in a weld layer thickness ranging between 0.020 inches to 0.06 inches per operation. When multiple weld layers are stacked to form a three-dimensional geometric shape, we generally refer to it as a cladded layer. Compared to Plasma Hardfacing technology, Laser Cladding Machines offer a more concentrated heat source, leading to faster heating and cooling, a smaller heat-affected zone, and a lower dilution rate of the cladded layer, which can be more material-efficient. Laser Cladding often produces superior melting effects between different materials, creating unique microstructures in the cast area. As a result, laser cladding processes typically do not require annealing and are less prone to deformation. Laser Cladding Machines can further be categorized into powder-based Laser Cladding Machines and wire-based Laser Cladding Machines.

What is the difference between the Powder Laser Cladding Machine and the Wire Laser Cladding Machine.

When we refer to ‘powder’ and ‘metal wire’, we’re primarily discussing the distinct welding materials used by the Laser Cladding Machine. The powder option offers a richer variety of materials, hence Laser Cladding Machines often employ alloy powders as the preferred welding material. In the laser cladding process, these alloy powders are delivered to the center of the laser beam either coaxially or off-axially. Coaxial feeding typically suits the remanufacturing of workpieces with three-dimensional shapes, while off-axis (or off-center) feeding is generally reserved for large-area cladding tasks. In contrast, machines that utilize metal wires benefit from the wire’s continuous feed, and since the wire can fully melt within the molten pool, material utilization tends to be higher. Powder-based processes usually achieve around 85% material utilization. For vertical operations, we particularly recommend wire-based laser cladding machines, as they’re also adept at reconstructing the internal structures of workpieces. If you’re uncertain about which equipment or material to choose, Deewi Automation is always here for a discussion.

The composition of the Laser Cladding Machine.

As illustrated in the diagram, a basic Laser Cladding Machine typically consists of guide rails, a positioner, clamps, a laser torch, a laser generator, a powder feeder, a Gas Supply System, a cooling system, an exhaust system, a safety protection system, and an intelligent control system. The laser generator is the heart of the Laser Cladding Machine, providing the high-energy laser source required for laser cladding. Its performance dictates the capabilities of the entire machine. The laser torch emits both the laser beam and powder to complete the cladding process, significantly influencing the cladding results. The control system adjusts the movement of either the workpiece or the laser torch, ensuring precise control over the speed and accuracy of cladding. Of course, the above description merely provides a simple overview of the structure of the Laser Cladding Machine. These machines are typically custom-built. We customize each machine based on the specific requirements and budget of our clients. If you’re interested in this, please don’t hesitate to contact Deewi Automation.

Quick Q&A – About Laser Cladding Machine

We’ve compiled a list of brief answers to common questions about the Laser Cladding Machine and laser cladding technology. If you’d like to delve deeper into these topics with us, you’re always welcome to contact Deewi Automation.

Laser cladding is a welding process that utilizes a high-energy laser as its energy source. With it, we can repair and repurpose workpieces, as well as enhance their wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and more.

Laser cladding operates using a high-energy laser. Depending on the type of laser used, the machinery is categorized as fiber laser cladding equipment or high-power diode laser cladding equipment, among others.

The dilution rate we commonly refer to in the additive layer, or the surface-hardened layer, indicates the extent to which the base material mixes with the alloy material after both have melted and solidified in the weld pool. This degree of dilution is expressed as a percentage of the base material within the alloy layer. The dilution rate in laser clad welding is typically lower, usually below 10%.

We categorize them into metal wire laser cladding machines and powder laser cladding machines. The latter can be further divided into coaxial powder feed laser cladding machines, side powder feed laser cladding machines, and high-speed laser cladding machines. High-speed laser cladding technology melts or heats the powder to a high temperature before it enters the weld pool, shortening the welding time and achieving very high welding speeds—up to 200m/min, compared to the usual 2m/min in standard laser clad welding.

Focused energy results in quick heating and cooling, a small heat-affected zone, a dense cladding layer, and a low dilution rate with the base material. This process achieves comparable performance with thinner coatings than other methods and has high material utilization. The clad layer surface is smooth, ideal for subsequent precision machining. It’s also well-suited for automation and robotic production, integrating easily with other processes, has high production efficiency and quality consistency, and can be used with a wide variety of materials, including temperature-sensitive ones like high carbon steel and nickel-based alloys.

Laser cladding machines are pricier, and improper material selection can lead to coating cracks.

Though they can sometimes substitute for one another, they are distinct processes. Laser cladding melts both the powder and the base material’s surface, forming a robust metallurgical bond. In contrast, thermal spray melts the powder and then sprays it onto the substrate, forming a mechanical bond. Laser cladding offers a more dense coating, while thermal spray coatings may have more pores or impurities. Laser cladding is also more environmentally friendly, but thermal spray has a higher working efficiency. Each has its specific applications.

They can be categorized into laser cladding repair and laser surface cladding. Their applications include shaft repair, gear restoration, drive shafts, valve sleeves, molecular pump bodies, flanges, piston rods, couplings, turbochargers, cylinder heads, mining picks, intake valve seats, boiler tubes, coal spreaders, dies, locomotive components, ball valves, harvester blades, grinder blades, tube plates, screws, rollers, and drilling in industries such as oil & gas and aerospace, among others.

Laser Cladding Machine

As professional laser cladding equipment suppliers, Deewi Automation boasts a wealth of experience and well-established solutions. If you’re in search of a suitable Laser Cladding Machine provider, we are very eager to engage in a discussion with you.

Laser Cladding Process&Applications

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Deewi Automation Technology Co.,Ltd.

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Address: 333 Yima Road, Shanghai, China
Email: de@overlayweld.com
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