Integrated laser cell for combined laser cladding and milling

Purpose – Laser materials processing system technology has become indispensible to the tool and die manufacturing industries and for repairing engines and turbines. The laser build‐up welding process especially is now a standard technology where cost efficient, precisely localized and near net shape repair welds are required. The concept of integrating the modular laser components into standard machine tools makes the technology easily accessible to the user and very efficiently combines build‐up welding and metal‐cutting processes.Design/methodology/approach – Specially designed laser system technology is available as add‐on kits for different machine tools of the end‐users. They can choose from a large variety of laser sources, manufacturing heads, welding material supply as well as process control devices. User‐friendly software guides through the entire process chain. So, optimized laser systems for different cladding and build‐up applications can be installed easily and inexpensively in common turnin...