A. Yelistratov, F. Sciammarella, Alion Science & Technology, St. Charles, IL

Summary: With new developments in diode technology, the high power direct diode lasers are quickly becoming an economically viable alternative to traditional surface modification techniques. Alion Science & Technology has developed an R&D award winning automated robotic laser cladding cell for refurbishment of worn and corroded components. This paper will cover some of the investigations made using an automated control of wire feeding and visualization system for remote real time processing to understand cladding characteristics. The direct diode laser has unique features which creates a whole new set of parameters that must be understood. The end result is to develop guidelines so that future research can be compared to traditional laser technologies.