Optimization of the LaserWire Cladding Process of Tool Steels Using Factor Analysis
D. Zuljan and M. Uran
The aim of the research we conducted was to establish reliable correlations between the input parameters and the parameters of laser wire cladding quality used in optimization. Using a Nd:YAG laser as the energy source, laser wire cladding was carried out on the seven most frequently used tool steels (1.2311, 1.2312, 1.2343, 1.2344, 1.2767, 1.2379 and 1.2550). The quality of a laser wire clad-weld was defined by their geometrical characteristics, mechanical properties and minimum internal stresses in the area of the laser wire clad-weld. The importance of the general correlations between the laser wire cladding parameters were determined by means of a statistical factor analysis, which provides factor loadings with the variables. The laser wire cladding analysis was carried out through the purposeful selection of control parameters and monitoring of the laser wire clad-weld quality parameters. The results obtained and the laser wire cladding research procedure we used provide a suitable tool for attaining the desired laser wire clad-weld quality and can be used by laser wire cladding designers and technologists.
Keywords: Nd:YAG laser, laser wire cladding, clad-weld geometry, factor analysis, tool steels