Page 38 - 2022 - Q3 - Minerva in Focus

to expanding our capabilities by stepping
MARINE TECHNOLOGY introducing high-speed laser cladding. Over
into an even higher capacity of lasers and
the years, we have accumulated a wealth of
experience in hydraulic rod repairs using
both chrome plating and laser cladding and
can measure and appreciate the differences;
this is why we are eager to test our new toys
and see what they can do. Expectations are
high, so I will keep you posted!

Scan the QR code to find
out more about our laser
cladding capabilities

Picture 3: Chrome plating as a toxic material has a heavy environmental
Alternative repair solution: laser cladding implemented are bringing costs down to
Laser cladding advantages at a glance: the same or sometimes lower compared
• Environmentally friendly to chrome plating. Industrial lasers can
• Fast delivery times now have capacities of more than 10KW at
• Accuracy reasonable costs, making them faster, while
• Overall performance EHLA (high-speed laser cladding) is making
• Reduces overall costs its way into commercial applications with an
Laser cladding, a technology whose indus- impressive performance on time and mate-
trial use began in the previous decade, is rial usage.
now emerging as the best alternative to At INJEGOV, we have long seen the trend
chrome plating for hydraulic cylinder rods as shifting toward laser cladding instead of
well as other components. That is because chrome plating. So, we have invested in a
laser cladding solves many of the problems versatile laser cladding machine allowing
mentioned above. Firstly, it is a much more us to process parts of various sizes. Seeing
environmentally friendly process. Moreover, the benefits firsthand and taking positive Picture 5: Reconditioned Hydraulic Cylinder
since it is essentially welding, it creates a feedback from our clients, we now move on
full metallurgical bond between coating
and base material. That prevents peeling off
and offers high resistance to impact. Laser
cladding technology allows us to apply thin
or thick coatings depending on the require-
ments, which, combined with the absence of
microcracking, offers high corrosion resist-
ance and prevents oxidization. Nowadays,
there is a large variety of coating powders
to suit each application’s requirements. Of
course, as laser cladding is a highly auto-
mated process, it ensures high quality, much
faster delivery times, and fewer limitations
in the size of parts to be coated. Big thick-
ness, fast delivery, and automation make
laser cladding an ideal repair solution for
hydraulic cylinder piston rods.
Initially, as a new technology, laser cladding
had the disadvantage of a relatively higher
cost compared to chrome plating, although
overall better in all aspects. As laser technol-
ogy reaches maturity, the new technologies Picture 4: Reconditioning with laser cladding

38 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 21 / Q3 2022