Laser Metal Deposition Welding in the Field of Tool and Mould Making

In mould and tool making laser metal deposition welding provides a new way of creating novel tool designs as well as the reconditioning of used tools. A great advantage is seen in the ability to establish multiple layers of different materials on one work piece in a single process. This can result in a specific structure of tools that allows a certain hardness or abrasion gradient towards the active surface or even a layer heat transfer inside the tool. One scientific approach is to influence the distribution of carbides. Furthermore the manipulation of the surface tension by the use of specific shielding gases provides an attempt.Throughout this project ways of process integration into mould and tool making will be taken care of while tackling some major challenges in this industry.