Laser Processing

Laser Cladding / Hardfacing -

The laser cladding or laser weld overlay process employs a laser beam to fuse a broad range of materials from alloys to composites containing ceramic compounds onto a substrate. The process delivers more pure chemistry with a thinner, smoother overlay than traditional welding.

How does laser cladding compare to traditional welding? Unlike traditional welding, laser cladding has no mechanical impact on melt, so there is very low dilution (as low as 5%) of the deposited alloy. Traditional welding also generates intense heat that can distort the substrate—that’s not the case with laser cladding, due to its low thermal input.

“Hardfacing” refers to overlay materials of high hardness, designed to withstand the most demanding wear environments.

Laser Case Hardening -

Used on steel or cast iron components to yield a 20% greater hardness than conventional heat treating processes, laser case hardening can produce hardness at a depth of up to 2 mm. The process uses a laser beam to rapidly heat the material’s surface to a temperature just below its melting point. Then, the energy source is removed and the heat is immediately conducted away from the area, resulting in a self-quenching effect. The high cooling rate suppresses carbon diffusion, transforming the material into martensite.

Part Handling Capacity -

Almost 20 years ago we pioneered laser cladding on a significant commercial scale. Today we continue to offer the most robust services as measured by capacity, revenue, part-handling and available laser power.

We can process panels with the following measurements:

  • Widths up to 6 feet

  • Lengths up to 40 feet

  • Weight up to 20,000 lbs


Creating bonds that don’t break

Our R&S stamp certified laser processing applications weld, strengthen and protect metallic components better than almost any other available method. The resulting overlays are metallurgically bonded and virtually impenetrable by even the most extreme wear environments, helping you reduce equipment maintenance, repair and replacement costs.