WorkpieceAlignmentforHybridLaserAidedPartRepair.PDFVIP

WORKPIECE ALIGNMENT FOR HYBRID LASER AIDED PART REPAIR PROCESS Ajay Panackal Padathu, Todd Sparks, and Frank Liou University Of Missouri - olla olla, Mo 65409- 1350 Abstract Work piece alignment is a key issue for hybrid laser aided part repair, a process utilizing both machining and laser deposition. Proper alignment can greatly improve the accuracy of the repair process. This paper introduces a method for aligning a physical work piece and a CAD model using a enishaw touch probe and software tools. Also discussed is a model for computing 5-axis CNC positions based on a desired work piece orientation. Introduction Laser Aided Manufacturing Process (LAMP) part repair uses laser deposition process and machining to restore a damaged metal part to near-original condition. The LAMP repair process is a hybrid repair process. The damaged portion of the work piece is first machined, both to remove damage and to make a surface suitable for laser deposition. Then metal powder is laser deposited at the damaged location. Finally, the work piece is finish machined back to its original condition. Alignment of the work piece becomes highly critical in this application. Poor alignment might result in deposition or machining at the wrong location or even damage to the deposition system itself. The strategy for alignment is as follows. A Renishaw touch probe is used to get the point cloud data from the work piece. This data is then used to orient the work piece in a direction we want before machining away the damaged portion. After machining, the touch probe is used again to calculate the orientation of the work piece. Then, The LAMP system is used to repair the part. The work piece is again probed to make sure that the finished par