A SIMPLE BUT REALISTIC MODEL FOR LASER CLADDING

A model which takes into account the main phenomena occurring during t he laser-cladding process is proposed. For a given laser power, beam r adius, powder jet geometry, and clad height, this model evaluates two other processing parameters, namely, the laser-beam velocity and the p owder feed rate. It considers the interactions between the powder part icles, the laser beam, and the molten pool. The laser power reaching t he surface of the workpiece is estimated and, assuming this power is u sed to remelt the substrate with the clad having been predeposited, th e melt-pool shape is computed using a three-dimensional (3-D) analytic al model, which produces immediate results, even on personal computers . The predictions obtained with this numerical model are in good agree ment with experimental results. Processing engineers may therefore use this model to choose the correct processing parameters and to establi sh cladding maps.