Direct laser cladding

Laser direct cladding is a laser-based coating process in which metallic layers are applied to a component with low heat input. A strip-shaped metal is guided onto the surface under a defined force and bonded locally using laser energy. In contrast to classic laser cladding, the coating is not melted over a large area. The base material remains largely solid, which reduces distortion, structural changes and reworking.

The process is particularly suitable for rotationally symmetrical components that are to be equipped with functional metal surfaces. The combination of laser heat and mechanical forming creates fresh metal contact surfaces that enable a permanent metallic bond. This allows wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant or conductive coatings to be produced efficiently.

Direct laser cladding offers advantages in terms of cycle time, energy requirements and material usage. As the surface is comparatively smooth after the process, the effort required for post-processing is reduced. For surface technology, the process opens up new possibilities for producing high-quality metal coatings economically and in a resource-saving manner.