March 2, 2018
As a world leader in laser cladding technology, RUAG Australia was successful in 2016 in winning a highly competitive Capability Technology Demonstrator (CTD) grant from the Commonwealth Government to develop a new laser repair technology using Direct Energy Deposition where powdered metal is applied under controlled conditions. With a track record of research and development in additive repair technologies RUAG’s research and innovation team have already successfully developed an alternative technology for the rapid repair of corroded, worn and damaged components using a cold spray technique, known as Supersonic Particle Deposition. The process is currently being used to restore structural integrity of corroded panels on aircraft. The recent CTD grant focuses on laser deposition of hard steels used in aircraft structures, such as SS4340 and 300M, to develop a rapid repair technology for the recovery of corroded or worn structural parts. Corrosion is recognised as a significant contributor to the lifecycle…