Thermal analysis of nozzle for powder feeding in High Power Diode Laser (HPDL) powder surfacing

Purpose: Purpose of these researches was to determine the influence of High Power Diode Laser (HPDL) powder surfacing parameters, material type and shape of the nozzle for powder feeding on the temperature field of the nozzle. Design/methodology/approach: Different materials for manufacturing of the nozzle for powder feeding during HPDL powder surfacing and different shapes of the nozzle were tested to establish the optimum shape and select the material that ensure lowest heating of the nozzle. Reflection coefficient of the infared laser radiation of 808 nm for the tested materials were determined as a function of a temperature. Temperature of the nozzle tip was measured and determined as a function of surfacing parameters. Life time of the different nozzles was determined. Findings: It was shown that the nozzle made of copper body and thin-walled tube made of austenitic stainless steel ensures much higher life time of the nozzle and also higher process efficiency compared with nozzle made of copper. Research limitations/implications: It was found that decreasing the distance from the nozzle tip of thin-walled tube made of austenitic stainless steel to the weld pool surface resulted in increasing of the process efficiency but too short distance is the reason of extensive heating of the nozzle. Originality/value: The optimized shape of the powder feeding nozzle made of thin-walled tube made of austenitic stainless steel guarantee unlimited lifetime of the nozzle and high surfacing efficiency over 95%.