By: Eckhard Beyer

Fraunhofer IWS

Over the past decade laser buildup welding transitioned from mostly specialized laboratory efforts into an established industrial technology for high quality and precise surface coating deposition. Compared to traditional plasma powder buildup welding processes, laser cladding generates superior corrosion and wear protective coatings. The laser process can also generate localized surface functionalities. These combined traits of the process ultimately led to the industrial breakthrough of the technology. Today there are no acceptable alternatives to laser cladding for many applications including mining, oil and gas production and tool and die making. Continue reading →