Analytical modeling and experimental investigation of laser clad geometry

Based on rapid prototyping and laser cladding, laser material deposition (LMD) can be used to produce a near-net shape component in which the deposition quality and geometry characteristics of the previous layer, especially the first layer, determines the deposition quality and process stability of LDM-ed parts. A theoretical model for the first deposition layer in the LMD process has been developed to estimate the clad geometry (width, depth, and height) depending on the process parameters (laser power, powder feed rate, and scanning speed). This model contains two constants that are calculated based on the experimental results. The theoretical results are discussed and compared with the experimental data from the perspective of mass energy and line mass. The theoretical results are in accordance with the experimental results with reasonable accuracy that indicates the capability of predicting the clad geometry.