Laser Solutions: Laser Die Repair

Written by Mike Francoeur

- Industrial Laser Solutions For Manufacturing

Laser die repair

Manual welding/cladding, using pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, is a developing process that has recently been introduced to North American tool and moldmakers. Laser energy supplies  the heat to fuse tool steel filler wire onto worn tool steel surfaces to achieve superior surface restoration. Two manufacturers offer laser process packages that provide a rapid and convenient method for tool die and plastic injection mold surface restoration.

Laser cladding of tool steel has been used in Europe for some time now, successfully restoring tool steel surfaces for plastic molds and stamping dies. In the U.S. the dominant process for tool steel restoration is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), often referred to as TIG welding or "Micro-Arc Welding." Another, less popular, process that has generated interest is electron beam welding. This article looks at the chronology of tool steel cladding from arc welding through electron beam welding to the introduction of industrial laser processes.

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