COAX_ID – omni-directional inner diameter laser cladding optic

Laser ID materials deposition is applied for inner surface coatings of abrasively loaded tools, the generative fabrication of inner 3D structures of aero engines and gas turbines as well as the repair of local damages in oil drilling tools. The core element of the modularly designed ID cladding head presented here is a multi-jet coaxial powder nozzle. This nozzle concept permits a precise powder supply in any welding position, independently from gravity and welding direction. Thus, not only simple inner coatings are applicable, but also complex shaped metal structures can be generated in internal areas with restricted accessibility. All media supply, such as powder, shielding gas, cooling water, is safely packaged inside the processing head. The optical elements for shaping and focusing the laser beam are interchangeable and permit the use of disc an d Nd:YAG laser up to 3 kW laser power. Currently, the minimum ID caliber is 4 inches, and the maximum immersion depth amounts to 40 inches. Current developments aim at the reduction of the minimum diameter to 2 inches and increased immersion depths to more than one meter by using diode laser with high power.