Laser spray nozzle and method
AssigneeQuantum Laser Corporation
InventorAlbert W. Hammeke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laser spray nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body with first and second spaced apart end portions. A beam passageway extends between the end portions and permits a laser beam to pass therethrough. A housing surrounds the second end portion. The housing is spaced from the second end portion and forms an annular passage. The housing has an opening coaxial with the beam passageway for permitting the laser beam to pass therethrough. A cladding powder supply system is operably associated with the passage for supplying cladding powder thereto so that the powder exits the opening coaxial with the beam.
Claims21
A laser spray nozzle assembly, comprising:
- (a) a nozzle body with first and second spaced apart end portions and a beam passageway extending therebetween for permitting a laser beam to enter said passageway through said first end portion and to exit through said second end portion;
- (b) a housing surrounding said second end portion and spaced therefrom and forming an annular passage therewith and including an opening coaxial with said beam passageway for permitting a laser beam to pass therethrough;
- (c) means operably associated with said passage for supplying a powder thereto so that the powder and the beam converge on a common location.
A nozzle for a laser cladding system, comprising:
- (a) laser beam generating means;
- (b) a generally cylindrical apertured housing having a first end portion operably associated with said generating means for receiving a laser beam and a second end portion positionable adjacent a workpiece so that the laser beam exiting said second end portion is directed at the workpiece;
- (c) a recess in said second end portion coaxial with said aperture forming a powder distribution chamber and said chamber having an outlet coaxial with said aperture;
- (d) an apertured nozzle body coaxially positioned in said housing and including a beam receiving passageway through which the generated beam passes;
- and,
- (e) powder distribution means positioned within said chamber for distributing powder therein so that the beam and the powder exit said housing and converge on a common location.
A powder cladding system, comprising:
- (a) a housing having a central aperture extending between a first end and an opposite second end;
- (b) a nozzle housing secured to said second end and having a coaxial recess forming a powder distribution chamber and said nozzle housing including a tapered portion terminating in an outlet;
- (c) a nozzle body positioned within said housing and having a coaxial beam passageway, said body having a frustoconical portion adjacent to and spaced from said tapered portion for therewith forming an annular gap;
- (d) means associated with said chamber for supplying cladding powder thereto;
- (e) adjustable telescope means secured to said first end for regulating the size of a laser beam exiting said outlet;
- (f) laser beam generating means operably associated with said telescope means for directing a laser beam through said nozzle body so that the beam and the powder converge on a common location;
- and,
- (g) means associated with said telescope means for focusing the beam exiting said outlet.
A laser cladding method, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a laser nozzle assembly having a central beam passageway and an annular coaxial powder dispersing chamber;
- (b) positioning a workpiece adjacent the nozzle assembly outlet;
- (c) simultaneously directing the beam and the powder at a common location on the workpiece so that the beam melts a thin layer of the workpiece and the powder becomes dispersed within the molten layer;
- and,
- (d) advancing the nozzle assembly relative to the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.