More specialized goals include development and optimization of industrially robust beam-delivery systems for specific processing needs. Using the Laser Applications Laboratory, Argonne researchers have performed analyses and collected data to determine the most effective laser systems for specific processing functions. The optimization studies take into account laser wavelength, beam delivery options, and cost and processing effectiveness. Laser glazing is obtained with higher beam irradiances that cause melting and rapid solidification of a thin surface layer. Glazed depths of the order of 100 microns can easily be achieved.
Processing speed is similar to that of heat treatment at several centimeters per second.
Glazed surfaces have a very fine, amorphous-like structure and exhibit low friction and enhanced corrosion resistance. Cladding or surface alloying involves the application of a layer of ceramic powder on the substrate surface and the use of a laser beam to melt and fuse or alloy the ceramic into the substrate. The process can be controlled to clad a layer of specified thickness selectively on a surface. Cladding is superior to plasma spraying in that the ceramic layer is fused or alloyed into the substrate, and the clad layer will not peel or crack. Laser welding uses an intense laser beam to produce strong welds with minimal distortion at high processing speeds.