Joining Technologies, Inc., an innovator in industrial laser applications, announces that it has expanded its additive manufacturing capabilities to include internal diameter(ID) cladding. Together with its partners Fraunhofer ILT, Pallas Oberflaechentechnik GmbH & Co KG and Laserline, Inc.,Joining Technologies has installed a specialized ID cladding station.
While laser cladding has gained wide acceptance as a cost effective way to add wear or corrosion-resistant coatings, or to repair worn-out or mis-machined parts, most of the cladding to date has been limited to easy-to-reach external part features.The new ID cladding station is a technological leap forward. “The technique is ideal for adding service life to oil and gas equipment, pumps, sleeves and extruder components,” remarks Tim Biermann, director of the Joining Technologies Research Center (JTRC).“Also, we expect other industries will come to us seeking the ID cladding process for their applications.”
This laser additive technique can be used with a wide range of materials, including nickel-, cobalt- or iron-based alloys, as well as carbide-matrix compounds. The new ID cladding head, mounted to a CNChandling system, can processinternal diameters as small as 2.75 inches, with a maximum insertion depth of 500 millimeters. Double-sided access means IDs as long as 1000 mm can be clad.
Joining Technologies provides laser cladding services at its facility in East Granby, Connecticut. The company can perform robotic and Cartesian laser additive processes for components ranging from the very small, up to 72 inches diameter, 40 feet in length, and 6 tons in weight.