Laser Clad Geometry: Experimental Observation and Geometric Modeling

Abstract

In this paper, a new analytical method of laser clad geometric simulation was developed. The effects of laser process parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, and powder feed rate on estimating clad geometry were investigated in this approach. A series of cladding was prepared by 1 kW diode pumping solid-state laser, to characterize the cross-section image of the clad by optical microscope. The clad profile was fitted by pitch arc and line in AutoCAD, with results displaying the arc-like upper profile of the clad. The theoretical results are discussed and compared with experimental data. The simulation based on the mass conservation is capable of predicting the clad width and depth with reasonable accuracy at medium powder feed rate.