Capitalizing on the rapid growth and reduced costs of laser systems, laser cladding is gaining momentum, and in some instances replacing conventional techniques of depositing thin films because it can accommodate a great variety of materials, achieve uniform thickness and precise widths of layers, and provide improved resistance to wear and corrosion in the final product. Laser cladding technology also offers a revolutionary layered manufacturing and prototyping technique that can fabricate complex components without intermediate steps.Laser Cladding reviews the parameters, techniques and equipment, process modeling and control, and the physical metallurgy of alloying and solidification during laser cladding. The authors clarify the interconnections laser cladding has with CAD/CAM design; automation and robotics; sensors, feedback, and control; physics, material science, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and powder metallurgy to promote further development and improved process quality of this growing technology. As the first book entirely dedicated to the topic, it also offers a history of its development and a guide to applications and market opportunities.While a considerable part of Laser Cladding is dedicated to industrial applications, this volume brings together valuable information illustrated with real case studies based on the authors' vast experience, and research and analysis in the field to provide a timely source for both academia and industry.
