Reconditioning of compression moulds by laser cladding

Abstract

This research addresses to the reconditioning of a compression mould used in automotive industry for manufacturing of rubber seals. The reconditioning process have been carried out using an CW Coherent diode laser with a maxim in power of 1000 W and a cladding head made by PRECITEC, manipulated by means of an CLOOS robotic arm synchronised with a rotational table. The NiCrBSiFeC powder (commercialised as Oerlikon Metco 15E) was used as filler material for repairing the MOULD STEEL 1.2738. Crack free and dense coatings were obtained with similar hardens and wear resistance of the base material. The samples were analysed by optical and electron microscopy and by EDS micro chemical analyses