Bilsing launches EHLA laser cladding service

Bilsing Automation has announced the implementation of EHLA, a laser cladding process using high-speed laser metal deposition (LMD) that helps protect components from corrosion and wear. According to the company, this process provides an economical, environmentally friendly, and faster alternative for coating surfaces when compared to hard chrome plating, thermal spraying, and traditional LMD.

Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and the RWTH Aaceh University, EHLA is an extremely high-speed LMD process in which the laser melts the powder particles above the melt pool. It applies 25 to 250 micrometer-thin layers at a speed of up to 500 MPM.

The company has mounted the laser beam source along with the EHLA processing head and powder feed system on a mobile robot, resulting in a mobile station that can be moved where it’s needed in the shop. This service is provided at Bilsing Automation Tic. Ltd. Sti., located in Bursa, Turkey.

The process’s thermal effect on the material is in the micrometer range, so it can be used to coat heat-sensitive components. It also can be used for entirely new material combinations, such as coatings on aluminum-base alloys and gray cast iron.