Laser and Plasma Deposition Technologies

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Key Capabilities

Laser group has capability to create, join and modify surfaces of engineering materials to enhance their strength, wear and or corrosion properties.

Machining of titanium alloys is difficult due to their properties. The project is investigating the application of a laser to thermally enhance the removal rates.

Joining of aluminium and magnesium alloys at room temperature using self piercing technology is problematic. This projects is investigating the application of a laser to enhance the formability of magnesium alloys prior to joining.

The service life of aircraft components is affected through the degradation of their components which has a significant effect on operating costs. The principal aim of this project is to develop and certify repair technologies for current and next generation aircraft and in particular laser metal deposition technologies so that these components can be returned to service in a safe, timely and cost effective manner.

The project sets out to achieve an extension of the service life of current seawater components, the degradation of which has a significant effect on operating costs. Rapid and effective reclamation of components is essential to maintain the maximum sea time. The principal aim of this project is to demonstrate the applicability of laser surface repair technologies for the improved service life of nickel-aluminium bronze components.

Wear and erosion of power station components is a problem with significant cost implications to the industry. A project was established to examine the use of lasers and other technologies for the repair of these components and return them to service in a cost effective manner.

Laser Materials Processing Group

Slide show detailing current staff, equipement and projects

Compiled by Dr Ryan Cottam, March 2012, (2MB)
Laser and Thermal Spray Technology

Thermal spray and laser technologies are key enabling manufacturing technologies responsible for the generation of new products and processes of significant commercial benefit.
IRIS has established a world class laser laboratory to accelerate the adoption of this technology by Australian industry and train students in the area of laser materials processing.
As well, a newly-created thermal spray laboratory is a first for Australia. Both of these advanced deposition technologies are highly relevant to industrial applications where extended service is achieved by welding, cladding and surfacing for adverse environments.

Compiled by Jo Ann GAN (7.9MB)
Thermal Spray Tips

The tips have been categorized into several topics (thermal spray processes, feedstock materials, surface preparation, coating processing and operation, post coating operation, coating characterization and testing as well as applications) where individual articles can be accessed easily through the hyperlinked Table of Contents (TOC) or the overview of the thermal spray (TS) process.

Compiled by Thermal Spray Society (TSS) (6MB)

Air Plasma spraying of Yittria Stabllised Zirconia (YSZ) utilising a high powered 40kW non-transferred plasma torch spray mounted on a robotic arm