Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies' Laser Enhances Deposition Process

Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies (HMT) is unveiling the Ambit Extreme High-Speed Laser Addition (EHLA) head. It can enhance the deposition process by offering speed, accuracy and efficiency in applying thin metal and metal matrix composite coatings, according to the company.

The Ambit EHLA head is designed to provide precise, high-rate area deposition, particularly suited for applying ultra-thin metal coatings. The technology is said to provide up to a 10 times increase in coating speeds compared to conventional Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) processes and can be capable of depositing coatings as thin as 100 µm with a full metallurgical bond. This can not only enhance production efficiency, but reduce surface roughness, achieving as-deposited surface roughness as low as Rz 10-25 µm.

Additionally, the Ambit EHLA head is intended for enhancing corrosion and oxidation resistance to armoring wear surfaces with the highest metallurgical quality and minimal heat-affected zones. Its compact form factor can enable it to reach into tight spaces as well. The EHLA head is compatible with Ambit Multi and Flex deployers.

The EHLA head’s design can enable shallow melt pool penetration into substrates, which can result in high traverse speeds and deposition rates. This capability can make it suitable for a broad spectrum of industrial applications, from aerospace to energy to automotive, where high-quality coatings and precise material deposition are crucial.