In-situ crack repair by laser cladding

Abstract

Laser cladding crack repair of austenitic stainless steel vessels subjected to internal water pressure was evaluated. The purpose of this investigation was to develop process parameters for in-situ repair of through-wall cracks in components or vessels which contain water under pressures of up to 2 bar. Successful crack sealing of 4.5 mm and 6.0 mm plate thickness @ 2.0 bar water pressure was achieved under worst case conditions. Positional cladding trials were also performed for 4 mm bead width at various cladding positions. Calculated powder efficiencies ranged between 87 and 93 percent.