System for laser microsurfacing of metal powders

Abstract

The article presents the technology of laser cladding of metallic powders and a machine for laser microsurfacing developed for this purpose. This specifically designed and manufactured station is based on a three-axis CNC machine, equipped with appropriate laser safety systems and a dust extraction system. A disc laser is used as a source of laser energy, connected with the processing optics by a fibre optic cable. A brush powder feeder with a nozzle for shaping the flow of powder transfers the powder coaxially with the laser beam. The system is integrated with a PC-motion card which acts as a CNC controller. The article also presents the results of laser surfacing experiments, classified in terms of the following criteria: surfacing height, width and depth of penetration, wetting angle and microstructural parameters. The laser power density, powder feeding rate and density, as well as the relative movement of the welding head against the component, have been selected as independent parameters.