Laser cladding: from experimental research to industrial applications

Abstract

In the case of aircraft jet engine blades reconditioning through cladding, it is critical to obtain a perfect bonding between the cladded layer and the substrate to prevent any loss of material during the engine exploitation, which could lead to critical failure. This paper addresses to the reconditioning of VT3-1 titanium jet engine blades through laser cladding. The experimental laser cladding reconditioning was carried out using an TRUMPH TruPulse 556 laser and a coaxial cladding head manipulated by an 9-axis robotic cell. Pure titanium powder was supplied into the coaxial cladding module for reconstruction of the damaged blade. The reconditioning process was carried out using a spot diameter of 1.8 mm and 800 W laser power at a frequency of 90 Hz. Argon was supplied as shielding gas. The engine blades were cross-sectioned and analyzed by optical and electron microscopy and EDS elemental microanalyses. The main advantages of the laser cladding process are good metallurgical bonding and lower heat input during the reconditioning process compared with other conventional remanufacturing processes. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.