Wed, 27 October, 2021
The repair or remanufacturing of a component is a process that allows a damaged or worn part to be returned, either to its original condition or with improved properties. As such it is an increasingly attractive option to companies wishing to reduce the environmental impact and costs due to scrapped parts.
Critically, it can also reduce the costs and the lead times associated with the need to replace a component that has failed unexpectedly, which can often be considerable. This is especially true for components that are made from high quality or expensive materials or are especially complex to manufacture.
Industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive and energy generation can benefit greatly from this more environmentally-friendly approach, especially when combined with the flexibility and quicker turnaround times of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes such as Laser-beam Direct Energy Deposition (DED-LB).
DED-LB uses a laser beam to melt a feedstock material (powder or wire) as it is being deposited onto a work-piece. It is an adaptable process with the ability to control material properties on a microstructural level as well as being compatible with a wide range of different alloys, making it suitable to perform high-integrity repairs of critical components.
TWI recently held a popular webinar demonstrating uses of DED-LB for repair and remanufacture as a means for part-life extension, presenting on some real-world industrial applications developed and performed by TWI.
If you missed the webinar live on 20 October 2021, you can now watch the recording at your own convenience.