Laser cladding of Ti-6Al-4V knife edges

The effect of cladding of Ti-6Al-4V knife edges using wires and a CO2 laser power source was investigated. This method of cladding, in combination with conventional atmospheric shielding techniques, permits continuous deposition of thick (> 1mm) cladding of acceptable porosity and microstructural quality. The cladding width increased to 0.76 - 0.81mm irrespective of the knife edge width of 0.350 - 0.76mm. Continuous deposition of multiple layers was possible, at 0.125 - 0.150mm increase in thickness per pass, at part linear speeds as high as 762 mm/min. While the process is sensitive to practical considerations of wire feed, knife edge and laser alignment, no evidence of damage to the substrate from laser reflection was observed.