WHEN YOU NEED WEAR RESISTANCE & DURABILITY.
Laser Cladding is the modern ‘go-to’ method to multiply the lifespan of your parts, instead of traditional welding.
Laser Cladding
At Group Six Technologies laser cladding is done on one of three robotic production cells which allows us to handle components of a variety of shapes and size.
With 6 axis robots and 1-2 axis positioners parts of any shape and size can be clad. Our internal cladding head allows us to reach into deep bores down to 60mm (2-3/8”). When compared to other methods of overlaying material, laser cladding provides the following advantage:
-The process is repeatable and efficient.
-Laser cladding creates a metallurgical bond between the base material and the overlay.
-Very low total heat input which allows for virtually no distortion of tight tolerance components.
-Wide choice of different materials can be both deposited and deposited onto.
-Creates a relatively smooth surface with little or no porosity.
-Minimal heat input results in a narrow heat affected zone (HAZ).
Laser cladding can be used in wide range of applications and industries, contact our engineers to learn more.
Industries using Laser Cladding
Laser Heat Treating
Surface hardening using laser heat treating is used to improve the wear resistance of the surface of a part without affecting the tougher interior of the part.
Common materials for heat treating include carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, and cast iron. Achievable core hardness and depth are dependant on the base material’s carbon content. Typical results are case depths between 0.4 – 2 mm (.015-.080”) with hardness greater than 55 HRc.
The laser is concentrated to produce a small spot of intense heat energy, resulting in several advantages:
-Minimal heat input can reduce or eliminate distortion of the component. Laser hardening typically gets done on a finish machined part.
-Focused energy with the laser means only the area that needs hardening gets hardened.
-The precision control of heat to localized areas avoids distortion and stress.
-Self-quenching conductive process – no quenching medium required.
-Highly repeatable robotic non-contact process.
-Closed-loop pyrometer control.
-Line-of-sight access for hard to reach areas.
Group Six’s engineering team has extensive knowledge with laser heat treating and can assist you in deciding if laser heat treating is a good fit for your application.
GROUP SIX’S ENGINEERING TEAM CAN ASSIST YOU IN DECIDING IF LASER HEAT TREATING IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Laser Welding
Like traditional welding such as TIG or MIG, lasers can be used to join two work pieces together.
Laser welding can be completed with or without a filler metal which allows flexibility in achieving the desired properties in the weld metal. The ability to have fine control of the power output and the use of robotic automation of laser welding, allows high control over the outcome of properties of the weld such as heat input and penetration depth. The control of beam properties such as power and spot size allow the ability to both join thin plate materials and complete deep penetrating welds of thick materials using keyhole welding.
Grinding
Our Yorky Universal Grinding Machine is specifically designed to grind components for the oil and gas industry up to 42” (1066 mm) in diameter by 16ft (5m) long.
To ensure a broad size range of cylindrical O.D. grinding capability, Group Six’s full CNC cylindrical grinder can accommodate large diameter parts up to Ø42" and up to 196" long. If that is not enough, the work head has a 12" thru bore to accommodate longer parts where required. For I.D. grinding requirements, a manual bore grinder has been added to the arsenal of tools, to finish bores >Ø2.5" and up to 9" long. If your specific laser cladding project requires a finish outside of these capabilities, Group Six has established relationships with various local vendors who are masters in achieving the perfect surface finish.