Laser microcladding using powdered flux and metal
US9315903B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y10/00
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser microcladding process utilizing powdered flux material (93b). A jet (92) of propellant gas containing powdered alloy material (93a) and the powdered flux material are directed toward a substrate (94). The powdered materials are melted by a laser beam (96) to form a weld pool (98) which separates into a layer of slag (100) covering a layer of clad alloy material (102). The flux material deoxidizes the weld pool and protects the layer of clad alloy material as it cools, thereby allowing the propellant gas to be nitrogen or air rather than an inert gas. In one embodiment, the substrate and alloy materials are superalloys with compositions beyond the traditional zone of weldability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.