Laser Cladding Vs Laser Hardfacing are procedures that are frequently employed in welding and metalworking. While there are some commonalities, there are also significant variances.
This blog article will walk you through the fundamental distinctions between hardfacing and cladding. We’ll look at what hardfacing and cladding are, their similarities and differences, the different types of hardfacing and cladding processes, the advantages and disadvantages of hardfacing and cladding, the difficulties of hardfacing and cladding, the best hardfacing and cladding materials, and the best hardfacing and cladding techniques.
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What Is Laser Cladding？
Laser Cladding is a welding procedure that includes placing a metal coating on the surface of a component to improve corrosion resistance against severe conditions such as chemicals, water, and extreme temperatures. The cladding process includes depositing a coating of metal on the surface of the component, often stainless steel, which functions as a barrier and prevents corrosion and wear.
Laser Cladding Characteristics
The growing popularity of laser cladding over traditional methods such as thermal spraying
(HVOF, Plasma, Cold Spray, etc.) and arc overlay welding (PTA, TIG, etc.) is driven by factors such as:
- The high performance alloy is melted with minimum dilution of the lower substrate material, keeping the performance alloys’ properties.
- The melt metallurgical bond formed by the totally dense performance alloy and the substrate is highly strong and defect-free.
- The heat input into the substrate is limited, therefore no critical qualities are harmed or heat-related deformation occurs.
What Is Laser Hardfacing?
Laser Hardfacing is a welding method that deposits wear-resistant coatings on metal components that are often employed on components that see a lot of wear and tear, such as valves, pump parts, and other machinery parts. The hardfacing technique entails depositing metal alloys on the component’s surface to provide a protective coating. This layer improves the component’s resistance to wear and tear, allowing it to last longer and operate more effectively.
Here’s an intro to the hardfacing process:
Laser Hardfacing is accomplished using a variety of processes, including manual arc welding, automated arc welding, and TIG welding. Manual arc welding is the most popular kind of hardfacing, and it is frequently used to repair or strengthen damaged components since it is robust and resilient, making it perfect for high-wear applications.
Laser Hardfacing Characteristics
- Coatings that are perfectly metallurgically linked and completely dense
- The combination of a small heat affected zone and little dilution between the substrate and filler material results in functional coatings that work well at a lower thickness. For similar performance, fewer layers are required.
- The quick solidification rate produces a fine, homogenous microstructure that increases wear resistance in carbide coatings.
Welded deposits can be used to coat and build up edge geometries.
A near net-shape weld requires little finishing work. - Weldability of sensitive materials such as carbon-rich steels or nickel-based superalloys that are difficult or impossible to weld using conventional welding procedures is increased.
- Because the tiny heat affected zone reduces component stress, post-weld heat treatment is frequently avoided.
- Because it is a numerically controlled welding process, it has excellent process stability and repeatability.
The Similarities Between Hardfacing And Cladding
While hardfacing and cladding are separate processes, they do share some characteristics. Both methods:
- Involves putting a metal coating on the surface of the component to protect it from wear and corrosion.
- Both technologies make use of manual arc welding as well as other techniques like TIG welding.
- To achieve high-quality welds, a professional welder is required.
Laser Cladding Vs Laser Hardfacing Process
Although laser hardfacing and cladding are surface overlay procedures that differ mainly in material properties that suit distinct criteria, they may both be accomplished using comparable methods:
- Lasers
- Thermal spray
- Flux-cored arc welding or FCAW
- Plasma Transfer Arc [PTA] welding
The decision between hardfacing and cladding is based on the features you wish to impart, the materials used, and an awareness of the environment to which the surface is exposed. The thick, wear-resistant carbide/metal deposit in hardfacing can be deposited using a laser, thermal spraying, spray-fuse, or welding.
Thermal spraying is ideal for products that are sensitive to heat distortion, as opposed to spray-fuse, which involves flame spraying and torch fusing. Because thermal spray is not a welding technique, the bond strength is much lower than that of a welded or brazed overlay. Traditional weld hardfacing can be used to apply a very thick coating of wear-resistant material (up to tens of millimeters). Because it is a welding process, laser hardfacing provides advantages over other techniques.
Benefits For Laser Cladding And Laser Hardfacing
- Welded overlay: Metallurgical bond, perfect welding on the substrate.
- Defect free deposit: No porosity or cracks.
- Very low dilution.
- Minimal Heat Affected Zone.
- Extremely limited deformations.
- Precise, reproducible and fully automated process.
- Wide range of powders
- Deposit thickness from 0.4mm
The Differences Between Hardfacing And Cladding
Although there are some parallels, there are also some significant variations between hardfacing and cladding. The key distinction is the level of protection provided by each technique.
- Weld Overlay vs. Cladding Thickness：The thickness of the weld overlays ranges from about 0.05 inch to about 0.1 inch. Laser cladding offers a significantly larger range, ranging from 0.008 to 0.15 inches thick.
- Wear resistance is provided by hardfacing.
- Hardfacing is commonly accomplished by applying an iron-carbon alloy.
- Cladding protects against rusting.
- Cladding is usually done by applying a layer of stainless steel.
Who Uses These Cladding and Hardfacing Processes?
Cladding and laser hardfacing are both employed in a variety of sectors and industries. Among these applications are the following:
- Energy generation
- Military
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Construction equipment
- Automotive
- Gas and oil
Both laser cladding and laser hardfacing offer the benefits of cost-effectiveness, high productivity, and low thermal distortion.
Summary
Laser Hardfacing and Laser cladding are procedures that are utilized in welding and metalworking. While there are some commonalities, there are also significant variances. Wear-resistant layers are deposited on components by hardfacing, whereas corrosion-resistant layers are deposited via cladding. The application dictates the appropriate materials and procedures for hardfacing and cladding.
Understanding the distinctions between hardfacing and cladding is critical to achieving the best outcomes. You may select the best materials and procedures for your application by knowing the similarities and differences between the two processes. Understand the distinctions between hardfacing and cladding if you’re wanting to repair or reinforce a component.