Inventors:
Paul P. Mehta - Fairfield OH
Robert R. Otten - Cincinnati OH
Ernest B. Cooper - Cincinnati OH
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Cincinnati OH
International Classification:
B23K 2600
Abstract:
In the repair of a metallic article portion, a metal powder and laser beam are applied concurrently, the laser beam being applied in a power density range of 10. sup. 4 to 10. sup. 6 watts per square centimeter at an interaction time between the laser and the article and powder of 0. 005-2 seconds to generate a repair layer. Apparatus for delivering a consistent, continuous flow of powder comprises the combination of an enclosed powder reservoir including means to introduce a gas under pressure, a mechanical means to feed powder into a conduit, a conduit vibrating means, and a fluid-cooled powder delivery nozzle.