Laser cladding refers to a process in which external materials are added to a substrate through laser irradiation, forming a molten pool, and then rapidly solidify together to form a coating layer.
Features of laser cladding: The cladding layer has low dilution but strong adhesion, exhibiting a metallurgical bond with the substrate. It can significantly improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, oxidation resistance, or electrical properties of the substrate material surface, thereby achieving surface modification or repair. It meets specific surface performance requirements while saving significant material costs. Compared to welding, spraying, electroplating, and vapor deposition, laser cladding features low dilution, dense structure, good adhesion between the coating and the substrate, suitability for a wide range of cladding materials, and versatility in particle size and content. Therefore, laser cladding technology has a very broad application prospect.
The magic of laser cladding lies in its ability to add a layer of frosted skin by simply scanning a workpiece with a laser.
Currently, laser cladding is mainly applied in three areas: First, surface modification of materials, such as gas turbine blades, rolls, and gears; second, surface repair of products, such as rotors and molds. Data shows that the strength of repaired parts can reach over 90% of the original strength, with repair costs less than 1/5 of the replacement price. More importantly, it shortens maintenance time, solving the problem of rapid repair of rotating parts essential for the continuous and reliable operation of large enterprises' major complete sets of equipment. Furthermore, laser cladding of ultra-wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloys onto the surfaces of critical components can significantly extend their service life without deformation. Laser cladding of mold surfaces not only improves mold strength but also reduces manufacturing costs by 2/3 and shortens the manufacturing cycle by 4/5. Third, laser additive manufacturing. Through synchronous powder or wire feeding, layer-by-layer laser cladding is performed to obtain parts with three-dimensional structures. This technology is also known as laser melting deposition, laser metal deposition, and laser direct melting deposition.
Cladding materials: Widely used laser cladding materials mainly include: nickel-based, cobalt-based, iron-based, titanium alloys, copper alloys, particulate metal matrix composites, ceramic materials, etc.