Restoration of Bearing Housing using Laser Cladding
BEARING HOUSING
Bearing Housings are used in industrial machineries to support bearings, rotating shafts and other components of machinery. They ensure the smooth operation of machinery and reduce friction. During the operation, these bearing housings are subject to various impacts, like fatigue wear and tear from high rotational speeds, fatigue due to repetitive stress cycles and also, corrosion due to harsh working environments. Because of this, the bearing housing surface gets worn out and get damaged. This affects the overall performance of the system.
Laser Cladding:
Laser Cladding, also known as Laser Metal Deposition is an additive manufacturing process in which a highly concentrated beam of Laser is used to deposit a material on the worn out surface of bearing housing. The cladded material forms a metallurgical bond with the base material which is long lasting, unlike mechanical bond which chips off over a period of time. This restores the bearing housing to its original shape and dimensions, improving the performance and increasing its working life.
PRE REQUISITES OF THE PROCESS:
Surface preparation : The surface of base material must be thoroughly cleaned, and any dust particles or oil/ other residues must be removed to ensure that the cladding material properly bonds and adheres with the base material.
Material Selection : The choice of material depends on two crucial factors. Firstly, the selected cladding material must have the required properties like corrosion resistance, wear resistance and hardness to fulfill the purpose. And secondly, for metallurgical bonds to form between cladded material and base material, there must be compatibility between the two. Appropriate selection of material is done considering these factors.
PROCESS:
The cladding material in wire or powder form is introduced to the laser beam and is scanned over the target surface. The laser beam melts cladding material and it is deposited on the bearing housing surface. A metallurgical bond is formed between the cladding material and base material.
ADVANTAGES OF LASER CLADDING:
It enhances corrosion and wear resistance of the bearing housing, protecting it from corrosion, wear, tear and other impacts
Precise restoration of dimensional accuracy to original shape, which enables it to function optimally
Customized solution: Laser cladding gives solutions tailored according to requirement. Specific areas which are subject to impact are selectively repaired, which optimizes material usage and reduces cost.
Laser Cladding is a fast process which restores the components rapidly. This minimizes the downtime and improves the production efficiency.
As compared to conventional methods , Heat Affected Zone is minimal in Laser Cladding.
Laser Cladding is an advanced process which improves the operational efficiency . We, at Laser Automation, have been working with Laser technology since 2009, and we manufacture Special Purpose Laser Cladding Machines which are tailored to work for specific applications.
Following video demonstrates Laser Cladding on Bearing housing for restoration, using Robotic Laser Cladding Machine. However, according to requirements, CNC based Laser Cladding machines can also be provided.
