Specialists from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have patented the mobile laser cladding complex "Kochevnik", designed for restoring large-sized parts directly at the place of operation. The unit is based on a six-axis robotic manipulator, a 3 kW fiber laser, and a powder feeder.
As stated in the utility model patent, the device consists of a body on adjustable wheeled supports, inside which a control unit, laser, controller, and chiller are located. The laser head is equipped with a video camera and a nozzle for supplying a gas-powder mixture, and an additional drive rotates the parts being processed.
The development is aimed at repairing components of gas turbine engines — turbine blades, rotors, and other critical units for energy and aviation. The technology allows restoring surfaces made of heat-resistant nickel alloys with a productivity of up to 2 kg of metal per hour. The unit has passed tests and is used in projects for restoring gas turbine unit parts, including for Gazprom.
According to the developers, the solution reduces repair time and logistics costs, and also creates a basis for import substitution in aviation and energy machine building.
Read more on the topic:
- Innovative Laser-Based Method for Restoring Gas Turbine Blades Developed at NSU
- Robotic complex for oxygen-free laser metal deposition being developed in Perm
- UEC Plans to Use New Technologies for Repairing PD-14 and PD-8 Engines