A hybrid machining center for enabling new die manufacturing and repair concepts

This paper presents an analysis of a scanner-based laser cladding process and its integration into a hybrid machining center. After deducing a robust set of process parameters from experiments for scanner-based cladding which reliably yield defined geometries, we present an automation architecture to encapsulate the hardware that is specific to this process. We then describe a planning approach in CAM software to facilitate using the scanner- based cladding process within a planning framework for milling processes. After introducing a hybrid laser tool which enables new stabilizing process possibilities we conclude with an approach to combine all these findings into a seamless machine concept of which we present a prototype.