Laser powder cladding

In laser powder cladding, a high-energy laser beam is used to weld a powdery filler material onto a component. For the purpose, MTU is exclusively using solid-state (Nd:YAG) lasers at present.

Owing to the good focusing properties of the laser beam, the process can be used also for cladding very thin walls only a few tenths of a millimeter wide. The added layers are typically 0.2 to 0.5 mm thick. So to produce the required height, several layers one on top of the other are normally deposited.

Compared with other processes like plasma buildup welding, the laser powder cladding technique comes recommended because it heats and distorts the workpiece only minimally. The process is preferably used for restoring worn blade tips and labyrinth seals.