Mon, 14 November, 2022
The development of the extreme high-speed laser application (EHLA) process has changed the paradigm of metallic surface coating techniques. But, as with all new advanced technologies, there are many aspects of the process that require further exploration.
A fundamental difference with EHLA compared to conventional laser deposition is the intentional melting of the powder particles in-flight. Pre-established rules for laser deposition relating to energy density and other parameter relationships do not adequately describe the complex interactions and material phenomena involved in EHLA. The complex relationship of parameters combine to significantly affect the deposit quality, process efficiency and material transfer effect. With deposition speeds reaching in excess of 100 m/min, it is difficult to monitor and visualise in-process behaviour without specialist tools. Powder particle velocity and powder-gas jet stream stability are two key parameters which can be particularly difficult to measure.
To augment understanding of the physical phenomena, and to give confidence of process robustness to industry, TWI’s dedicated EHLA team are exploring high-speed image acquisition. This work will support application development, model validation, process standardisation, and industrial adoption of the process.
The EHLA team at TWI would like to thank Michael Beeston and Aaron Kearney, from Oxford Lasers and Phantom High-Speed Cameras - Vision Research, for enabling this important research and we look forward to their continued cooperation.
To find out more, please contact us below.