Hardfacing PTA and laser
Nickel-based metal powders are indispensable in the world of build-up welding when it comes to top quality and durability. These highly specialised powders offer outstanding properties that make them ideal for use in extreme conditions and demanding applications.
Why nickel-based metal powders?
Nickel-based metal powders are characterised by their excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature stability and exceptional wear resistance. These properties make them the preferred choice for cladding in industries that operate under extreme conditions, such as aerospace, chemical, power generation and offshore.
Ni-based build-up welding involves the application of nickel-based alloys to protect industrial components from wear and corrosion. This process is particularly effective in environments where components are exposed to high temperatures, corrosive media and heavy mechanical wear. The most important processes for nickel-based armouring include plasma arc welding (PTA), laser cladding, flame spraying and fusion technology. These processes ensure a strong metallurgical bond between the armouring material and the substrate and provide improved durability and performance.
PTA welding uses a plasma arc to melt the nickel-based alloy powder, which is then applied to the substrate. This process is known for its precision and its ability to produce high quality, dense coatings with minimal dilution of the base material. Laser cladding, on the other hand, involves melting the alloy powder and the substrate surface simultaneously with a laser beam, resulting in a metallurgically bonded coating with excellent wear resistance and minimised heat-affected zones.Both processes are suitable for applications that require high precision and excellent wear protection.
In the flame spray and fusion process, a nickel-based alloy powder is sprayed onto the substrate using a flame spray gun and then fused using a heat source such as a torch or furnace. This method is particularly suitable for producing thick, wear-resistant coatings on large surfaces. The process ensures that the coating is well bonded to the substrate and provides excellent resistance to abrasion, erosion and corrosion. Typical applications include the protection of hydraulic cylinders, valve components and other critical parts in the marine, chemical and energy industries.