Open Access

Table 3

Comparison of various processes, their basic steps, advantages and limitations.

Process type Pre-processing Post-processing Advantages Limitations Ref
Electro spark process Cleaning the workpiece for consistency of the part A variety of post-processes need to be carried out to ensure dimensional stability Prevention of liquid metal erosion and burr formation
Improved bonding
No automated applications
Liquid metal resistant electrodes required
[21,51]
TGAW, PAW, Brazing, Cladding Cleaning the part from dirt, grease, etc.
Preheating the part to alleviate shrinking, cracking, distortion
Post heat treatment for stress relaxation
Grinding and polishing
Complex shapes parts repaired
Quality parts
Imperfections in the cooling
Heat affected zone
Blemish of the repaired part
Residual stress
[52]
Metalock process Cleaning the part from dirt, grease, etc. Repaired area peened flush and finish No deformation and stresses
Suitable for cast iron
Can be used on-site
Cracked pieces are locked together and not fused to a single material [21]
Robotic laser welding Same as laser cladding Non-destructive examination to check the integrity of weld Dimensionally stable and high accuracy
Portable
Expensive
Limited to Nuclear system, Generator repair etc.
[5355]
Laser cladding, Directed energy deposition (DED) Cleaning of the material Machining of excess deposition
Shaping of the finished part
Finishing shape of the geometry
Large gaps can be combined
Flexible for geometric changes
High accuracy
High deposition rate
Multiple materials deposition
Argon purged chamber
Small heat-affected zone (HAZ)
Expensive
Integrated approach to get best results
Support structure requires for undercuts and overhangs
Skilled labour
[21,22,38,56,57]

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