Oerlikon Metco decreases repair times with precision-controlled solutions for Oil and Gas components

Proper material selection and the Houston staff’s ability to develop and execute precision laser cladding deposit technology results in surfaces with improved resistance to wear and abrasion for downhole applications, thereby increasing part longevity and lowering life-cycle costs. One customer states, “Typically, this part requires replacement at 1,000 to 1,100 hours of service, but the laser clad part is now at 1,235 hours.” The customer anticipates another 500 hours of service resulting in a downhole life increase of approximately 60 percent.

Compared to conventional build-up welding processes such as PTA, MIG and TIG, laser cladding has significantly lower, more localized heat input, low dilution of the workpiece substrate and reduces the potential for distortion. Thus, it offers advantages in terms of the materials that can be deposited and the workpiece geometries that can be processed. Even materials that are difficult to weld, such as high-temperature nickel-based alloys and high-carbon steels, are more easily welded using laser cladding.

In addition, the typically small melt pool formed during laser cladding gives rise to the ability to process very complex geometries within a single setup to deposit protective surfaces and restorative buildups.

“Our laser cladding solutions have a quicker turnaround time and cost less than PTA applications”, states Jason Aldis, manager of the Houston facility. These coating solutions protect drill collars, stabilizers, and tricone bits from abrasion and slurry erosion using Oerlikon Metco carbide materials.