In the steel forming process, rolls are used in several areas of production, including the tin mill line (TML), galvanizing line, continuous casting, and pinch rolls.
To extend the life of these rolls, weld overlay is applied by sub arc welding with martensitic grade 400 series stainless steel. Through this conventional method, high heat enters the process and dilution of the base material occurs in the range of 25 to 30 per cent. This dilution deteriorates the base material, and after subsequent reapplication, the base material reaches a point when it becomes no longer serviceable by welding.
Decrease dilution up to 30 per cent with Whertec: Through the Whertec approach, a low heat input LaserCladding process is used to protect the rolls. The laser beam welding process minimizes the dilution that occurs to less than 2%, significantly increasing the life of the rolls.
Optimized performance and cost savings with LaserCladding: As the LaserCladding surface is much smoother than sub arc welding — resulting in much quicker machining time — through the reapplication of Whertec’s LaserCladding, our customers can achieve tremendous performance and significant cost savings.
Specifically engineered for you: Unlike sub arc welding, LaserCladding also allows for specific alloy blends to be used. For example, Whertec has developed a proprietary martensitic 400 series powder that incorporates engineered alloying metallurgy to increase both the heat and wear resistance of our cladding process. Additionally, the flexibility of LaserCladding allows Whertec engineers to design specific alloy blends beyond what is currently available with sub arc welding wire.
Through design, the use of Tungsten Carbide, Hastelloy, Cobalt, Inconel and other alloying compounds may be incorporated to produce a custom-tailored alloy finish. This flexibility in design allows Whertec to create a surface cladding finish that can be engineered to the specific needs of our clients. Whertec’s LaserCladding approach optimizes performance, design life and the long-term cost of operating the roll.