Forming Process Prediction Model and Application of Laser Cladding for Remanufactured Screw Pump Rotors

In order to achieve high-quality repair of complex curved parts, a remanufacturing process method utilizing laser cladding and reverse engineering technology is proposed to be implemented by robots. This study focuses on the oscillating helical surface of a screw pump rotor. A single-pass laser cladding test is conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to construct a predictive model and identify optimal process parameters. The model’s accuracy is validated through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and index verification, while the optimal lap rate is determined through multi-pass laser cladding testing. Using reverse engineering technology, the generation of laser cladding paths for complex surfaces is explored, and the trajectory planning for the laser cladding robot is carried out. Simulations and experiments of robotic laser cladding on complex surfaces are performed, with the optimal process parameters guiding both the experiment and simulation. The optimum single-pass cladding layer, with a lap rate of 25.6%, is achieved when the laser power is 2217 W, the powder feed rate is 2.86 r/min, and the scanning speed is 400 mm/min. The study successfully plans the path for laser cladding on complex curved parts, verifying its feasibility and effectiveness, verifying that there is good metallurgical bonding between the cladding layer and the substrate, and helping to select the appropriate process parameters that are consistent with the requirements of a particular application, thus providing valuable guidance for the remanufacture of failed metal parts.