Laser cladding as a potential repair technology for damaged aircraft components

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the preliminary work on using laser cladding technology for the restoration of structural integrity. Design/methodology/approach - The primary methodology used in this research is to develop a laser cladding-based metal deposition technique to articulate restoration of structural geometry affected by corrosion damages. Following from this method, it is planned to undertake further work to use the laser cladding process to restore geometry and the associated static/fatigue strength. Findings - This work has found that it is possible to use laser cladding as a repair technology to improve structural integrity in aluminium alloy aircraft structures in terms of corrosion reduction and geometrical restoration. Initial results have indicated a reduction of static and fatigue resistance with respect to substrate. But more recent works (yet to be published) have revealed improved fatigue strength as measured in comparison to the substrate structural properties. Originality/value - The research is based on an acceptable materials processing technique.