Doncaster-based Laser Additive Solutions, which provides laser-based additive-manufacturing (AM) services to a wide range of customers, has taken delivery of a Trumpf 2kW TruDisk laser (www.uk.trumpf.com) to help it complete
a large number of laser metal deposition (LMD) projects.

The new laser — equipped with a BEO 70 LMD processing head — is at the heart of a special AM processing cell, along with a six-axis gantry manipulation system.

Managing director Peter Brown says: “I was familiar with Trumpf technology from previous roles, so I had confidence in the equipment; it’s a reliable turn-key solution, plus the support from Trumpf for process development was an important factor in the purchase decision.

“We particularly like the zoom optics on the Trumpf machine, which means that the spot size changes automatically at the flick of a switch — from a small spot for intricate parts to a larger one for heavy-duty cladding.

"Furthermore, although we have 2kW of laser power at our disposal, if we require a steady 60W output for a particularly delicate job, the machine delivers it with complete reliability.”

LMD involves using a very accurate laser beam and metal powder to form a melt pool on a metallic substrate. It can be used: to apply protective coatings to costly parts (such as turbine blades, valves or pistons); to give inexpensive components a high-grade wear-resistant surface; or to build near-net shapes as an alternative to subtractive machining processes such as milling, turning and grinding.

A wide range of titanium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten and steel alloys can be deposited, and the fusion of the powdered material results in a fine-grained micro-structure.