As the Navy fleet ages there are many system components with small, cylindrical bore shapes with wear and/or corrosion damage which can not realistically be removed for repair. The current repair method most commonly used, brush electroplating, does not last long, requiring frequent repairs. The Navy desires a deep bore wire-based laser cladding capability to accomplish a much longer lasting repair. We propose to develop a portable, robust laser cladding system for repair of small inner diameter components. Included in this effort will be a detailed analysis of the procedures, equipment, and preparations necessary to perform shipboard laser clad repairs in order to show that laser cladding is a feasible, cost efficient repair solution. The laser cladding head design will be based on improving an existing prototype deep bore wire-based laser cladding head. Design improvements will focus primarily on improved process imaging, maintaining a constant head standoff distance, and aligning the filler wire properly in the melt pool of the laser beam.
Benefit: This research will provide the Navy with a new deep reach wire-based small ID laser cladding repair capability for repairing components either on board a ship or in a shop environment. This will lower the cost and improve the longevity of repairs made to components such as seawater and high pressure air valves, hatch seals, and other components. Additional commercial applications for this technology include commercial ship building and repair, and manufacturing and repair of parts for oil and gas drilling companies and aerospace companies.
Keywords: Inner Diameter, Inner Diameter, repair, Deep Bore, Wire, LASER, cladding
