Focusing optics for laser metal deposition welding with metal powder
Precise optics for stable laser cladding processes and additive manufacturing
The VarioCladder YC52 cladding head is a modular focusing optic for laser cladding with metal powder (laser metal deposition, LMD) in additive manufacturing. It was developed for demanding industrial applications with solid-state lasers and is suitable for repair tasks, wear protection and 3D printing.
In laser metal deposition with metal powder, stable focusing of the laser beam and reproducible powder feed are crucial for uniform layer formation, low porosity and high process reliability. The VarioCladder YC52 supports these requirements with its robust and dust-tight design, high-quality optical components and integrated process monitoring functions.
The ability to generate variable track widths allows flexible adaptation to different process requirements and supports reproducible coating processes with high component quality in additive manufacturing and industrial applications.
For wire-based applications in laser metal deposition, the CoaxPrinter complements the Precitec portfolio in the field of additive manufacturing.
What advantages does the VarioCladder YC52 offer for laser cladding?
Variable track widths in laser metal deposition
The VarioCladder YC52 enables the generation of variable track widths in laser cladding. Different spot sizes of the laser can be set automatically so that the process can be flexibly adapted to the component geometry and application requirements. This allows both fine structures to be built up precisely and wider tracks to be created for efficient material application - with consistent coating quality, reproducible results and high process stability.
Modularity with different nozzle concepts
The coating head has a modular design and can be equipped with different nozzle concepts. Depending on the application, coaxial 4-jet nozzles, coaxial annular gap nozzles and off-axis nozzles are available. This modularity enables an application- and component-specific design of the coating process - from fine 3D structures in hard-to-access areas with low interference contours to flat, homogeneous coatings of large surfaces.
Integrated process and quality monitoring
The focusing optics can be equipped with coaxial camera monitoring and protective glass monitoring. The presence, temperature and degree of soiling of the protective glass are recorded inline. The optics can be extended with a pyrometer and an OCT system to measure the structure height. The continuous recording of relevant process and condition data supports high reproducibility of the coating processes and contributes to long-term process stability in laser cladding.
Track widths in laser metal deposition - variable or constant
Generation of variable track widths
A key feature of the VarioCladder YC52 is the ability to generate variable track widths in laser cladding with metal powder. Depending on the laser power, fiber diameter and defocusing, track widths of 0.3 to 5 mm can be achieved. This allows both fine structures to be precisely coated and wider tracks to be created for efficient material deposition.
The flexible adjustment of the track width enables optimum adaptation to different component geometries and process requirements. At the same time, it supports consistently high coating quality, stable layer formation and high process reproducibility - both in additive manufacturing and for repair and wear protection coatings.
Laser metal deposition without variable track width - when is the YC52 the right solution?
The tried-and-tested YC52 coating head works with a fixed track width and therefore enables particularly simple and reliable process control. It is particularly suitable for applications where the focus is on uniform coatings and reproducible deposition structures.
The head is a robust solution for powder-based laser cladding (Directed Energy Deposition, DED) and is used in industrial applications for coating, repair and additive manufacturing processes. Its robust design and high process stability make it a reliable solution for continuous industrial operation.
Modular system with different nozzle concepts
The VarioCladder YC52 deposition head has a modular design and can be configured with different nozzle concepts. This allows the system to be specifically adapted to different applications in laser cladding with metal powder.
- Coaxial 4-beam nozzle
For high laser power and demanding 3D applications - Coaxial annular gap nozzle
For a homogeneous powder focus and high powder efficiency - Off-axis nozzle
For areas that are difficult to access and applications with low interference contours
The modular design enables application and component-specific configuration of the coating head and supports optimum adaptation to component geometry and process requirements - with stable and reproducible coating processes.
What applications are possible with the VarioCladder YC52 for laser metal deposition?
The focusing optics are suitable for various industrial applications, including:
- Repair welding of tools and molds
for restoring worn or damaged components - Reconditioning of turbine and wear components
with high demands on coating quality and process reliability - Functional and protective coatings
to improve wear, corrosion or temperature properties - Creation of complex structures in additive manufacturing
for functionally integrated or geometrically demanding components - Applications in tool, automotive and aircraft construction
for repair, coating and additive manufacturing processes
Technical data
- Max. Laser power: 6 kW
- Working distance: 12 - 14 mm (24 mm with special version coaxial annular gap nozzle)
- Min. powder focus diameter: 1 mm (annular gap nozzle), 2 mm (4-jet nozzle), 3 mm (off-axis nozzle)
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How does laser cladding with metal powder work?
Laser metal deposition with metal powder, also known as laser metal deposition (LMD) or direct energy deposition (DED), is an additive manufacturing process in which metal powder is selectively introduced into the focus of a laser beam and melted there. The material is applied to a component in layers and forms a metallurgically bonded coating or structure.
The metal powder is fed into the laser focus in a controlled manner via one or more nozzles. At the same time, the laser creates a local melt pool on the component surface into which the powder is deposited. The coordinated control of laser power, powder supply and focus position results in uniform, low-porosity layers with high adhesive strength.
The process is suitable for creating new geometries in additive manufacturing as well as for repair and coating processes, for example to restore worn components or to functionalize surfaces. The optical design of the coating head plays a key role here, as it significantly influences the powder focus, energy input and process stability.