Laser Cladding System Market is developing rapidly with Coherent introducing multi-kilowatt industrial diode laser HighLight DL HPSi suited for applications in metal cladding, brazing, and heat treating

 

The Laser Cladding System utilizes high intensity, precisely aimed laser light to generate a highly controlled weld pool within which a finely ground metallic powder is deposited. The high intensity, fully pulsed laser (IPL) beam is combined with a variable pulse width modulated solid-gas carrier, usually argon, urea, or nitrogen, to produce a gas plasma. The primary demand for laser cladding systems is from end users that require new and technologically advanced manufacturing capabilities. Laser cladding systems are extensively used to fuse alloy addition onto a substrate. As a matter of fact, it is the highest precision build-up welding technique and thus, it has witnessed high adoption in the metallurgy industry. Recently, in August 2020, Bilsing launched an EHLA laser cladding service using high-speed laser metal deposition. Thus, such factors can stimulate growth of the laser cladding system market.

As far as regional impact is considered, North America seems to be registering a positive outlook in the laser cladding system market. This is due to robust growth of the automotive industry and the early adoption of laser cladding systems across the U.S. On the contrary, Asia Pacific is witnessing robust growth due to rising demand for end-use industries in the region. Recently, in April 2020, Coherent launched a multi-kilowatt industrial diode laser HighLight DL HPSi suited for applications in metal cladding, brazing, and heat treating.

That being said, there are various challenges that could pose massive hindrances in the development of the market. For instance, there is a massive dearth of skilled workers in both developed and emerging economies. Such workers are specially trained to operate high-end laser cladding machines with precision welding. Low availability of these workers could limit growth of the laser cladding system market in the near future.

The four major advantages of using a laser cladding system include; faster production, better weld quality, better weld flexibility, and better wear resistance. The faster process is achieved due to the smaller time taken for the generation of the IPL beam, which allows for higher volume production. Weld flexibility allows the use of various thicknesses and substrate structures which may not be feasible using traditional methods. The demand for enhanced dimensional restoration and reconditioning is rapidly growing. When it comes to conventional methods of welding, thermal spraying and arc welding have many drawbacks including low desired outputs, high operational costs, and difficulty in installations. Besides, conventional techniques need large heat volumes and additional corrective machining. Laser cladding systems are significantly better than existing methods, which accelerate growth of the laser cladding system market.