Laser cladding with powdered feedstocks is the most advanced approach existing today for repairing or optimizing workpieces of all kinds. This applies especially to processing of large surfaces and deposition of multiple layers (additive manufacturing).
A laser beam melts the substrate together with an injected powder to create a melt pool that is deposited onto the workpiece.
The result is an improved surface free of pores and cracks. If the properties of the added material are carefully chosen, it very effectively protects the workpiece from corrosion and wear.
The research & development department of OR Laser collaborated with the Fraunhofer Institute to develop an efficient, easy-to-install powder nozzle for the DIODELINE product line. It is the first such system that allows both wire- and powder-fed cladding, resulting in 10 times the usual efficiency.
The coaxial configuration of the powder nozzle and laser lets material be deposited regardless of the substrate’s direction of movement and ensures an extremely reliable process.
It is therefore also suitable for 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Coaxial feeding of metal powder also enables very flexible addition of volume to the workpiece: it can grow in any direction.
The powder nozzle from OR Laser features an innovative quick-change system that is straightforward to install in any system of the DIODELINE family. It’s also extremely compact. Because the quick-change system is optimized for all of the required inputs, there’s no need to readjust the nozzle after changing tools.
The quick-change system also lets the user manually perform minor or simple jobs with wire feed. If required, the powder nozzle can then be reattached for automatic coating of larger surfaces.
An integrated anti-collision feature eliminates the risk of damaging the lens in complex or critical beam delivery situations.