Repair opportunities for aerospace components through laser powder deposition

Abstract

Laser Powder Deposition (LPD) for component repair and manufacturing offers some unique solutions for Aerospace applications. LPD is a CAD/CAM solid freeform fabrication technology that uses metal powder and laser fusion for repairing or manufacturing of components. Inherent to LPD is the ability to add material for repair or manufacture of critical GTE components with minimal heat affect to the under lying material. Also, due to the nature of LPD, hard coatings can be achieved without heat treatment allowing for repair of heat-treated steels. In some cases LPD repair can be used to replace hard chrome or carburized surfaces. Details of several Aerospace like components that have been repaired and manufactured will be disclosed.Laser Powder Deposition (LPD) for component repair and manufacturing offers some unique solutions for Aerospace applications. LPD is a CAD/CAM solid freeform fabrication technology that uses metal powder and laser fusion for repairing or manufacturing of components. Inherent to LPD is the ability to add material for repair or manufacture of critical GTE components with minimal heat affect to the under lying material. Also, due to the nature of LPD, hard coatings can be achieved without heat treatment allowing for repair of heat-treated steels. In some cases LPD repair can be used to replace hard chrome or carburized surfaces. Details of several Aerospace like components that have been repaired and manufactured will be disclosed.