Advancements in High Power Multi-Wire Laser Cladding: The COAXquattro System for Enhanced Manufacturing Applications

This paper explores advancements in high power multi-wire laser cladding technology, focusing on the COAXquattro system. The innovative multi-wire cladding head operates at laser powers of up to 20 kW, and allows four coaxial wires and four powder channels to be fed simultaneously into a single melt pool. This design permits independent control of the feed rates, enabling real-time adjustment of the chemical composition of the cladding track for in-situ alloying and graded coatings.

Various use cases will be presented, focusing on high productivity laser cladding processes for functional coatings, such as sliding bearings and wear-resistant coatings that improve component durability. In addition, large-scale additive manufacturing applications using aerospace aluminum alloy and stainless steel 316L, materials essential for lightweight and high-strength components in critical industries will be discussed. Experimental results and case studies demonstrate significant improvements in manufacturing efficiency and adaptability to complex geometries. This paper provides valuable insights into the future of high power laser cladding technologies and their potential industry impact for modern laser cladding and additive manufacturing.