The Application of Laser Cladding to Mechanical Component Repair, Renovation and Regeneration

2013
Toms Torims

Thanks to shifting social paradigms and economic pressure, the repair and refurbishment sector of production engineering is currently booming. This chapter describes laser cladding technology, which is being increasingly applied in the repair and reconditioning of all kinds of mechanical components. We have sought here to describe the use of laser cladding technology and its basic principles. Its comparative advantages over other build-up technologies include better overall quality of coating, minimal dilution and distortion and customised surface parameters. The methods for applying additive material to the repaired surface are detailed, together with the three main types of lasers. The current stage of laser cladding technology implementation and trends for its industrial application are outlined with emphasis to the repair sector, including relevant equipment and powder delivery nozzles. An illustrative case study is included in the chapter to demonstrate how laser cladding could be effectively applied to in-situ marine crankshaft repairs. This includes an assessment of previous studies in the field, the sampling of laser-cladding machine designs and lessons learned. It is then possible to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of laser cladding. Here we have defined the challenges to be addressed and summarized the emerging overall trends of this technology. It is noted that laser cladding is only in its early stages of implementation and commercialization. Finally we offer a brief overview of the relevant issues to be considered by engineering educators and policy makers.

Keywords
laser cladding, repair, reconditioning, mechanical components, challenges for the future
DOI
10.2507/daaam.scibook.2013.32
Hyperlink
http://daaam.info/?page_id=6210

Torims, T. The Application of Laser Cladding to Mechanical Component Repair, Renovation and Regeneration. In: B.Katalinic, Z.Tekic, eds. DAAAM International Scientific Book 2013. Vienna: DAAAM International Publishing, 2013, pp.587-608. ISBN 9783901509940. ISSN 1726-9687. Available from: doi:10.2507/daaam.scibook.2013.32

Publication language
English (en)