Energy redistribution during CO2 laser cladding

This article examines the factors that effect the efficiency of the CO2-laser powder cladding process. By theoretical calculation and experimental work it has been possible to identify how much of the original laser energy contributes to the cladding process and how much is lost to the surrounding environment by reflection, radiation, convection, etc. Every aspect of energy redistribution has been analyzed and quantified and this has led to a deeper understanding of the process. The article concludes with a number of suggestions for improving the efficiency of blown powder laser cladding. (C) 2002 Laser Institute of America.