Laser cladding, also known as laser metal deposition (LMD), is a technique for adding one material to the surface of another.  It is used to melt a thin layer of the workpiece in order to mix it with a metal powder or a melted metal wire that has been applied. Lasermach does apply the metal with a laser-melted single, double or triple wire.  This creates a new layer on the existing workpiece. The advantage of this method is that the heat-affected area is much smaller than with welding. The laser applied layers are non-porous.

Laser cladding involves the feeding of a stream of metallic powder or wire into a melt pool that is generated by a laser beam as it scans across the target surface, depositing a coating of the chosen material.

Laser cladding technology allows materials to be deposited accurately, selectively and with minimal heat input into the underlying substrate.

The laser cladding process allows for property improvements for the surface of a part, including better wear resistance, as well as allowing for the repair of damaged or worn surfaces. Creating this mechanical bond between the base material and the layer is one of the most precise welding processes available.

Laser cladding can be performed with a variety of metals, including:

• Aluminium alloys (Al-(Mg)-Si)
• Cobalt alloys (Co, C, Cr, W)
• Copper alloys
• Nickel self-fluxing alloys (Ni-Cr-B-Si)
• Stainless steels (Fe, Cr, Ni)
• Super alloys (Ni, Co, Mo, Cr, Si)
• Titanium alloys4
• Tool steels (Fe, C, Cr, V)
• MMC including carbides (WC, TiC, CBN)
• Nano additive alloys (oxide dispersion strengthened alloys)

This wide range of materials means that laser cladding can be used for a large selection of industrial applications, including rapid manufacture, repair of parts, and surface enhancement. Materials such as tungsten carbide, for example, offer durability, making it ideal for coating applications that require superior wear resistance.