Nozzle Reduces Pores, Cracks in Laser Cladding

The AL-Flow Powder annular gap nozzle from Alpha Laser contributes to uniform melting in laser cladding additive manufacturing. With low dilution, it reduces pores and cracks in production layers and can achieve a range of layer thicknesses.

The nozzle contributes to high-quality wear protection layers and enables the joining of different materials to increase the service life of components. Suitable uses include hard coating (HRC 60) and corrosion or abrasion protection with a nickel alloy embedded with tungsten carbide particles.

This nozzle also suits repair operations in which pre-programmed geometries are filled in or built up. It also facilitates large-scale material application and powder deposit welding for gap bridging during joining.

The nozzle measures 100 × 143 × 170 mm and weighs 2.3 kg. It is continuously water-cooled with a quick-change connection, and features a shielding gas connector tube 6 mm in diameter. The nozzle’s 7-kW laser offers a maximum laser spot diameter of 3 mm, with focal distance of 150 mm and aperture 35 mm in diameter. The nozzle features integrated powder dispersion and functions with grain sizes ranging from 30 to 150 microns.