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05/23/2006 -
Laser Cladding (2005)
by Ehsan Toyserkani, Amir Khajepour, and Stephen Corbin
ISBN 0-8493-2172-7. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 2005. Hardcover. 260 pages. $129.95.
Aggressive environments and long wear life generally do not mix. However, this book discusses how to achieve this desired combination in great detail. Laser cladding is the process of metallurgically combining a wear-resistant or corrosion-resistant material onto a substrate. This coating processing enhances specific performance in a hostile environment, yet allows structural integrity of the component to be maintained inexpensively.
The authors have a diverse background, but are all currently at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Their combined backgrounds cover mechanical and materials engineering and, more specifically, powder metallurgy, laser processing, composites, computer modeling, and laser control feedback systems. Collectively, they have over 25 years experience as professors at the University of Waterloo in various focused fields.
The book is comprised of seven chapters that cover: introduction, overview, equipment, modeling, process control, metallurgy, and safety. A highlight of this book is the reference section at the end; the complete citations are all contained in this one section along with the title of the article. The authors are commended for their efforts in achieving that detail and for collecting the numerous references (more than 270) in one section within the book.
Two intriguing aspects are described in considerable detail; one is parameter maps and the other is microstructural maps. The former uses laser parameters (e.g., power beam spot size, feed rate, and powder flow) to map out the desired clad dimensions. The latter maps out the microstructural features as a function of temperature gradient and solidification rates. Using these two tools, the practicing scientist or engineer can develop a process model and exercise control of the process to achieve the desired performance, physically and dimensionally.
The first chapter describes the various applications for lasers with regard to metallurgy. Improving wear resistance of high-temperature turbine blades is the paramount application in the experience of these authors. The second chapter is an excellent, well-written discussion on several topics. The various types of laser–metal interactions are described. Since the cladding process is the focus of the book, it addresses inputs/process/outputs of this technique along with discussions regarding dilution and wetting angles. Chapter 3 addresses the types of lasers and beam parameter product (which is a function of diameter and angle of divergence). Characteristics of laser beam and powder streams are also highlighted. The chapter on modeling begins with a review of the literature on developed mathematical models. Boundary conditions are identified, and both steady-state and dynamic states are discussed.
This book is an excellent resource for researchers and engineers in this field. The number of citations alone is a real asset. The authors have produced a very practical, proficient, production-oriented book on laser cladding.
For more on Laser Cladding, visit the Taylor & Francis/CRC Press web site. |
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