Laser Additive Manufacturing

Laser hardfaced bit holders

 

This is a process in which Titanova will use the 3D profile of a metal part as a base to program a laser based automation laser cladding system to directly melt a replacement metal. We are adding metal back on the part in order to remanufacture the part back to its original 3D shape. The current evolution of the technology is that process will become more automated by the development of robotic controls, sensors and imaging systems that will supply data that can be used to control the laser additive process i.e. the system will know how much needs to be added, was added, when and where and what type of material to add. Titanova is effectively been performing laser additive manufacturing since its existence. John Haake has patents and worked in the area of laser additive manufacturing over the laser 30 years. Laser cladding or laser weld overlay is a 3D laser additive manufacturing process. 3D manufacturing encompasses many different joining technologies and is a disruptive technology generating press. Almost every trade magazine and university press releases have something about 3D manufacturing. Lasers have played a vital role in the evolution of this technology. The 3D manufacturing technology has become pedestrian due to the cost reduction resulting in mass production, software sharing and internet based learning.