Laser Deposition Technology (LDT)
Sub-links:
Repair (LRT) |
Cladding (LCT) |
Freeform Manufacturing (LFMT) |
RPM Laser Systems |
On-line Video
Laser Deposition Technology (LDT) is a process in which
metal powder is injected into the focused beam of a high-power laser under tightly
controlled atmospheric conditions. The focused laser beam melts the surface of the
target material and generates a small molten pool of base material. Powder
delivered into this same spot is absorbed into the melt pool, thus generating a
deposit that may range from 0.005 to 0.040 in.
thick and 0.040 to 0.160 in. wide. The resulting deposits may then be used to
build or repair metal parts for a variety of different applications.
For a more detailed explanation of the process,
view our On-line Video Presentation.
Laser Deposition Technology (LDT) is a blanket name that encompasses
many "like" processes—direct metal deposition (DMD), laser additive manufacturing (LAM),
Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS®), laser metal deposition, and others—that use a
focused laser beam as the heat source for depositing powdered metals.
Laser Deposition Technology is derived from LENS® technology.
LENS® was developed as a team effort between
Sandia National Laboratories,
Albuquerque, N.Mex., and Pratt & Whitney. Follow-up development work was
sponsored by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). LENS®
is a registered trademark of Sandia National Laboratories. In 1997,
the LENS® technology was licensed to Optomec, Inc., Albuquerque, N.Mex.
Applications of Laser Deposition Technology
There are three main areas where LDT can be used in industry and manufacturing.
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Laser Repair Technology (LRT)—the repair of worn components.
When operating any type of mechanical equipment with moving parts, repairing or rebuilding
worn metal components is part of everyday life. Repairing worn components typically saves
dollars over purchasing new ones.
LRT makes it possible and cost effective to repair parts that were
previously unrepairable.
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Laser Cladding Technology (LCT)—the application of cladding materials.
LCT is a process that repairs surfaces on parts
by first machining down the worn surface and building it back up by depositing
cladding material in thin layers to restore the worn surface.
Bearing, seal, and coupler surfaces on shafts typically considered nonrepairable are great candidates for the
LCT process.
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Laser Freeform Manufacturing Technology (LFMT)—performing near-net-shape freeform builds directly from CAD files.
LFMT process starts with a CAD drawing of a part.
From this electronic drawing, a tool path file is built. The laser deposition system then
builds the part, layer by layer. LFMT can build complex shapes,
prototyping and manufacturing some parts in far less time than any other technique.
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Laser Deposition Systems at RPM
RPM and Associates currently has two separate Laser Deposition Technology Systems
shown below. A second 557 system comes on line in Fall 2012.
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353 Laser Deposition System I
- 3KW IPG Fiber Laser
- 3’x X 5’y X 3’z Work Envelope (can be modified for long shaft cladding)
- Tilt & Rotate Table
- New Control Software
- Controlled Atmosphere to Less Than 10 ppm oxygen
- Operator Friendly
- Multiple Delivery Head Capabilities (including 4.5” I.D. X 16” deep cylinder cladding with extensions possible)
- Multiple Powder Feeders
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557 Laser Deposition System II
- Stainless steel construction
- 3KW IPG Fiber Laser
- 5’x X 5’y X 7’z Work Envelope (can be modified for long shaft cladding)
- Tilt & Rotate Table
- New Control Software
- Controlled Atmosphere to Less Than 10 ppm oxygen
- Operator Friendly
- Multiple Delivery Head Capabilities (including 4.5” I.D. X 16” deep cylinder cladding with extensions possible)
- Multiple Powder Feeders
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Benefits of Laser Deposition Technology
Laser Deposition Technology (LDT) has many benefits over more
traditional welding and manufacturing techniques.
- Metallurgical Bond versus Mechanical Bond
The LDT process creates a metallurgical bond which is much
stronger than the mechanical bond created using spay welding
or plating techniques.
- Low, Controlled Heat Input
The LDT process creates very low and controllable heat input
with minimal dilution and heat effect zones.
- Minimal Stress and Distortion Created by Deposits
- Rapid Cooling Rates
- Cost Effective for Repairs and Manufacturing