Laser Cladding Path Planning for Curved Metal Parts

In depositing multiple layers on the surface of failed metal parts, the overlap rate is a critical factor in determining the surface smoothness and uniformity of the coating thickness. Therefore, special attention must be given to the spacing between adjacent melt tracks when planning laser paths on complex metal parts. A strategy for selecting the overlap rate for multi-track cladding is proposed, based on the key parameters of surface curvature, mass conservation, and the profile of single-track coatings. A multi-track overlap model is developed, expressing the relationship between coating morphology and the overlap rate. The optimal spacing value is determined to achieve the goal of high-quality coating remanufacturing. To verify the effectiveness of this method, nickel-based powder was used for laser forming on the surface of metal gears. The results showed that the surface of the cladding layer was smooth and flat, further demonstrating that this model helps improve the repair quality and overall performance of curved metal parts. Thus, it provides valuable guidance for the remanufacturing of failed metal parts.