Laser cladding system filler material distribution apparatus

Apparatus for laser cladding filler material distribution, comprising:

• a housing having an external surface defining an array of at least two distribution apertures for controlled distribution of filler material on a cladding substrate, and an internal chamber in communication with the distribution apertures adapted for retention of filler material therein;
• a mechanical feed mechanism adapted for feeding filler material from the internal chamber through the distribution apertures in the distribution aperture array;
• and
• a feed mechanism drive system, coupled to the mechanical feed mechanism, adapted for selectively varying filler material feed rate.

A laser cladding system comprising:

• apparatus for laser cladding filler material distribution, having:
• a housing having an external surface defining an array of at least two distribution apertures for controlled distribution of filler material on a cladding substrate, and an internal chamber in communication with the distribution apertures adapted for retention of filler material therein;
• a mechanical feed mechanism adapted for feeding filler material from the internal chamber through the distribution apertures in the distribution aperture array;
• and
• a feed mechanism drive system, coupled to the mechanical feed mechanism, adapted for selectively varying filler material feed rate;
• a laser generating a laser beam for transferring optical energy to the substrate and filler material on the substrate that fuses the filler material to the substrate as a filler layer;
• a movable mirror intercepting the laser beam, for orienting the laser beam on the substrate;
• and
• a laser drive system coupled to each of the respective movable mirror and the laser for causing relative motion between the laser beam and substrate.