Improvement of strategies and parameters for multi-axis laser cladding operations

The application of laser cladding technology is nowadays widely extended in several industrial sectors due to its advantages for high added value parts direct manufacturing and repairing. At the moment, the process is mainly applied to 3 axis or 3+2 axis strategies, being numerous works focused on the obtainment of process parameters. Some industrial application imposes the use of 5 continuous axis kinematics to perform complex parts. This fact requires new processes design and new strategies for this type of operations. The presented work evaluates the steps to be followed before accomplishing 5 axis laser cladding operations. First, the design of a test part for the experimental tests is carried out, taking into account the machine kinematics. Afterwards, both, the process control parameters and the tool path strategies are analyzed. Finally, the optimization of process parameter and strategies is presented. Therefore, the work represents a useful tool for the industrial application of 5 axis laser cladding. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.