Prototype Development of a Hybrid Gas and Ultrasonic Powder Delivery Syste,

Additive manufacturing (AM) using laser cladding has the potential to replace many
conventional manufacturing processes. Engineering parts are created by repeatedly adding
and fusing thin layers of materials to a surface. Complex 3D shapes can be achieved with low
component distortion and minimum heat input. However major drawbacks include a high
wastage of the expensive powder and the erosion of the powder head. This is a key barrier to
the wider adoption of AM to a broader range of applications particularly for large
components. Advanced Laser Technology (ALT) have noted these limitations and will
address them by developing a novel hybrid gas and ultrasonic powder delivery system.