Method for laser cladding of tubes
A system and process is provided for cladding of cylindrical surfaces. The cladding operation uses a laser head to carry out a welding operation in a tube spinning at high speeds to create smoother interior and exterior linings than can be obtained with conventional welding techniques. As a result, substantial post-weld machining and finishing are eliminated.
1 . A welding system for cladding tube-like structures, comprising:
(a) means for rotating said tube-like structure between 100 rpm and 10,000 rpm;
(b) a laser welding device having an adjustable, fixed optical head; and,
(c) a controller having means for controlling rotation of said tube-like structure and coordinating operation of said laser welding device.
2 . The welding system of claim 1 , wherein said controller operates so that said laser welding device produces a continuously uniform weld pattern.
3 . The welding system of claim 2 , wherein said means for rotating said tube-like structure operates at 100-2000 rpm.
4 . The welding system of claim 2 , wherein said laser welding device is positioned for cladding an interior surface of said tube-like structure.
5 . The welding system of claim 2 , wherein said laser welding device is positioned for cladding an external surface of said tube-like structure.
6 . A method of cladding a tube-like structure, comprising the steps of:
(a) arranging said tube-like structure to spin in proximity to a stationary, adjustable laser welding head;
(b) spinning said tube-like structure between 100 rpm and 10,000 rpm; and,
(c) continuously operating said laser welding head to clad said tube-like structure in a continuous uniform weld pattern.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said metallic tube-like structure rotates at 100-2000 rpm.
8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said laser welding head produces a laser beam having a width of 1/16-¼ inch.
9 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of:
(d) adding anti-abrasive particulate matter during said continuous operation of said laser welder while controlling speed of rotation of said tub-like structure to place said particulate matter within said continuous weld.
10 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said tube-like structure is metallic.
11 . The method of claim 6 , wherein cladding is carried out on an internal surface
of said tube-like structure.
12 . The method of claim 6 , wherein cladding is carried out on an external
surface of said tube-like structure.
13 . A tube-like structure having a uniform, non-overlapping welded cladding
pattern, wherein differences in thicknesses of said cladding pattern are 0.05 inch or less, before application of post-welding finishing.
14 . Tube-like structure of claim 13 , wherein said tube-like structure is metallic.
15 . The tube-like structure of claim 14 , wherein said cladding is created by laser
welding.
16 . The tube-like structure of claim 15 , wherein said differences in thicknesses
of said uniform welded cladding pattern are 0.01 inch or less.
17 . The tube-like structure of claim 15 , wherein said uniform welded cladding pattern is on an exterior of said tube-like structure.
18 . The tube-like structure of claim 15 , wherein said uniform welded cladding pattern is on an interior of said tube-like structure.