What Is Laser Cladding？
Heat concentration, quick heating, fast cooling, and a tiny heat-affected zone are all significant aspects of laser cladding. Other heat sources cannot compete with the properties of melting between various materials. This unique heating and cooling process produces in the casting area. Its structure is also distinct from that of conventional cladding processes (spray welding, surfacing, standard welding, and so on), and it may even form amorphous structures, particularly when using pulsed laser. This is why the purportedly laser cladding does not deform or anneal. Another form can be seen at the micro level.
Learn More：
Laser Cladding vs Laser Alloying
3d Laser Cladding Vs Laser Melting
7 Ways to Increase Laser Cladding Powder Utilization
What Is PTA Welding？
Plasma-Transferred Arc (PTA) welding is the most sophisticated welding technology available for high abrasion circumstances. The robotically applied technique employs ionised gas to generate precise heat input. The low heat causes little deformation and dilution, allowing for maximal hardness in a single layer.
PTA welding produces high-quality wear-resistant solutions for a wide range of applications. PTA has material characteristics comparable to laser welding or cladding.
Advantages Of PTA Cladding
The limited heat input and hence little mixing with the base material are significant benefits of PTA Cladding over traditional welding procedures like as TIG and MIG welding. The reduced distortion of the base material is another advantage of this approach. Laser cladding is a lower-heat-input alternative to PTA cladding. We would gladly advise you on the best option for your project.
When Is PTA Cladding Used?
PTA cladding can be used on a variety of surfaces. The protective coating used promotes longer tool life and consistent performance. Other materials, depending on the application, can be employed. PTA cladding can be used for the following purposes:
- Seats Transport screws Valves
- Plungers
- Pump components Valves
- Drilling equipment
PTA Welding Vs Laser Cladding
PTA welding is analogous to laser cladding. The key difference is that a plasma flame, rather than a more energy-dense laser beam, melts the substrate and additional material. When compared to laser cladding, the heating and cooling durations are slower, and the overall heat input is larger. Because of the heat input, the weld penetrates deeper into the substrate and dilutes the cladding layer.
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.
Process Capabilities
Each process offers unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of deposition rate, location, and process variable control. Laser cladding is often a robotically controlled procedure that gives unrivaled uniformity but has limitations in terms of deposition rate and location. With a qualified operator, PTA welding is the fastest overall. Of fact, when adding harface weld overlays, these uncertainties may be minimized by careful design and machining.
PTA welding and laser cladding provide for precise temperature control of their process parameters.
PTA Welding Vs Laser Cladding FAQs
Why are so many companies selecting laser cladding today?
Today, laser cladding is a major cost-cutting technology because it extends the life of high-performance components while reducing the usage of rare and expensive metal elements.
What is dilution in laser cladding?
Because laser cladding creates a metallurgical link, there is some mixing between the base metal and the alloy material. This mixing is referred to as dilution, and it lowers the purity of the cladding alloy. Dilution should be kept to a minimum, preferably below 5%, for a high-quality laser cladding layer. The minimal dilution allows the engineer to work with just one laser cladding layer in many applications, whereas other additive manufacturing methods require numerous layers to get the same corrosion and wear protection outcomes.
What is the typical thickness of a laser cladding layer?
While laser cladding layers as thin as a few thousandth of an inch are achievable, the average range for industrial applications is between 0.020″ and 0.060″ for a single layer. The stacking of numerous layers allows for the development of larger protective layers for a wide range of cladding materials.