Delivery of high-quality laser clad coatings for heavy wear and corrosion protection

Tailor-made coatings for mineral processing equipment

Challenge

Mineral processing equipment is prone to erosion, corrosion and abrasive wear and tear due to the harsh nature of its operating environment, often wearing out prematurely and resulting in expensive repairs and maintenance shutdowns.

Laser cladding – an additive manufacturing process – can be effective in improving the performance and longevity of the equipment. By adding high-performance metal or composite coatings with a metallurgical bond to new or remanufactured components, it provides enhanced protection against wear and corrosion. Yet, the coatings need to be tailored to resist degradation specific to processing minerals.

Proposed Solution

With the support of the University of South Australia’s specialist Coatings Research Group at the Future Industries Institute, LaserBond aims to refine its laser cladding technology and develop some the world’s most resilient mineral processing equipment.

By assessing the wear and tear of critical mineral processing components in different settings – erosion, corrosion, and abrasive impact – the research team aims to adjust the coating composition to the component and the dominant wear mechanism. Based on their findings, they will take the proof of concept laser clad wear-resistant materials and manufacturing technologies to a prototype stage for mineral processing applications.