A multi-parameter control of track geometry and melt pool size for laser metal deposition

Abstract The present work demonstrates a multi-parameter control for constant track geometry and consistent layer height in laser metal deposition process. A two-channel pyrometric camera is used to maintain a constant melt pool size by a laser power control, whereby a constant bead geometry can be provided. In addition, laser triangulation sensors are used to observe the layer shape and maintain an optimum overlap by the lateral movement of the processing head. Without prior parameter studies a net shape geometry with a machining allowance of only 2% can be achieved.