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Laser Cladding
What is Laser Cladding?
Laser cladding, or laser metal deposition, uses a laser beam to melt a stream of metallic powder or feed wire onto the surface of a workpiece. The material rapidly cools to create strong metallurgical bonds, enabling repairs and the addition of features or durable coatings to existing parts.
Laser cladding supports the feeding of multiple materials at independently controllable rates, allowing for flexible control over the material properties of the fused material.
Advantages of Laser Cladding
- Minimal heat input on the part eliminates distortion effects
- Precise deposition of melted material for flexible repair or addition of new features
- Less interface chemistry dilution — fewer layers, better thickness control, and lower heat input
- Easily paired with laser pre-cleaning of the part for increased adhesion and reduced porosity
- Can add a variety of materials to the surface including alloys created in-process via simultaneous melting of multiple metallic streams
- Easily automated and repeatable process
Laser Cladding vs. Traditional Cladding Methods
Arc Welding vs. Fiber Laser Cladding
Cladding via arc welding is typically a manual process that requires skilled craftsman to achieve good results.
Fiber laser cladding is as fast as an arc process but offers better precision and control over the quality of the results.
Fiber laser cladding is as fast as an arc process but offers better precision and control over the quality of the results.
Thermal Spraying (HVOF) vs. Fiber Laser Cladding
The thermal bonding process sprays a pre-melted powder to deposit cladding material on the workpiece, introducing high heat and oxidation into the coating.
Laser cladding reduces input heat and enables faster, higher quality results.
Laser cladding reduces input heat and enables faster, higher quality results.
Cold Spraying vs. Fiber Laser Cladding
Cold spraying creates strong coatings but typically requires costly helium as a carrier gas.
Laser cladding is significantly more efficient, eliminating the need for helium while also greatly reducing process cycle times.
Laser cladding is significantly more efficient, eliminating the need for helium while also greatly reducing process cycle times.
Discover Your Laser Cladding Solution
IPG is a partner for every stage of production from research and development to full-scale manufacturing.
Our laser cladding experts are ready to evaluate your application and offer a solution optimized for your requirements
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