Comparative analysis of performance characteristics of nozzle heads for powder transportation in a laser cladding and direct material deposition

Oleg Kovalev,S Bratan,S Roshchupkin,S Gorbatyuk,S Leonov

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201822401041

Abstract

The analysis of the dynamics of gas-dispersed flows created by nozzle heads, which are used in the additive technology of direct laser deposition of material in the manufacture of metal products of complex geometry, is analyzed. The features of using nozzle systems for increasing the efficiency of powder transport in laser treatment are discussed. Typical gas-powder transport nozzles of well-known manufacturers Trumpf and Precitec are considered. The study is conducted to obtain additional information for a thorough understanding of the physical processes that take place and to increase the efficiency of the practical use of equipment.

Highlights

The methods of laser cladding and direct material deposition (DMD) are used to receive coatings and restore parts, and to produce 3D items of complex spatial shape [1]
The powder material added to the molten pool gets metallurgical connection to the substrate, and if necessary, the HAZ zone can be minimal
There are specially designed nozzles [1, 2], Fig. 1, the choice of which depends on the technical requirements for the product and the properties of the powder materials used

Summary

Introduction

The methods of laser cladding and direct material deposition (DMD) are used to receive coatings and restore parts, and to produce 3D items of complex spatial shape [1]. There are several techniques to organize the feeding of powder into the laser's operating area For this purpose, there are specially designed nozzles [1, 2], Fig. 1, the choice of which depends on the technical requirements for the product and the properties of the powder materials used. Based on the principles of lateral or coaxial powder supplying for laser cladding and direct depositing of materials, Trumpf, Precetec and Fraunhofer have developed special powder feeding systems. These systems can transport powder materials with particle sizes from 20 to 150 μm for the depositing of macrolayers with a thickness of more than 100 μm, and with particle sizes less than 20 μm for depositing microlayers with a thickness of less. This explains the absence at the present time of specialized and functionally oriented software for calculating the processes of laser interaction with materials during their processing

Motivation

Lateral powder feed

Multi-jet coaxial nozzle

Annular coaxial nozzle