Casting and porosity defects: this is how laser technology allows you to correct imperfections

The casting defects connected with the shrinkage porosity of the molten material are almost unavoidable "accidents" in the course of the artisanal or industrial production process of objects made of metal alloys. In fact, during the solidification phase of the molten material, it is natural that the alloy tends to shrink, since most metals in the solid state have a slightly higher density than that found in the liquid state. This phenomenon affects all alloys that are normally used by man, and those of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum are no exception.

These casting defects are, in most cases, minimal and imperceptible to the eye (but not under the microscope!), But sometimes it is necessary to intervene to correct them: this is what happens, for example, in the goldsmith sector, where they are required extremely high levels of precision to obtain perfect jewels from any point of view, or in particular industrial fields such as aerospace, where any porosity defects could compromise the efficiency of delicate components or those destined to be subjected to extreme levels of stress.

Porosity defects are therefore a completely natural phenomenon, not necessarily linked to errors made during the production process of the jewel or industrial product, but there are cases in which eliminating these imperfections is essential. To do this, it is possible to use laser technology, which is ideal for correcting casting defects associated with the porosity of the material and obtaining structurally perfect products.

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Correct shrinkage porosity using the laser

If, once the casting process of a jewel or other metal object is completed, it is observed under a microscope, it is likely that it will be possible to identify the micro-holes that testify to the presence of an imperceptible defect in fusion, or micro-bubbles of gas trapped inside the metal alloy used.

These holes can be immediately repaired using a beam of laser light, which allows you to act in a targeted manner on the portion of the surface where the defect is found, obtaining a perfect result without compromising in any way the integrity and functionality of the object as a whole.

The advantages of using lasers to correct defects of this type are many:

  • the repair is extremely accurate and resolves even the slightest defects, visible only under the microscope
  • the jewel or the product as a whole are not overheated and therefore do not undergo any type of deformation
  • Repair takes very little time and can be done immediately after solidification of the molten metal
  • the Nd: YAG laser can be used successfully on all metal alloys, even those that contain materials that are difficult to weld because they are highly reflective, such as silver
  • the laser allows to successfully eliminate any gaseous inclusions, such as those of oxygen or nitrogen

Having a laser machine is therefore the simplest and fastest way to improve the quality of your products, correcting even minimal defects such as those due to shrinkage porosity of metal alloys.

An instrument of this type, easy to use and to calibrate according to different needs, allows to obtain excellent results and can be used successfully in any context, both in an artisan laboratory and in an industrial plant larger and more structured.


 

To find out more about the potential of the laser and the range of Elettrolaser welding tools, visit our website and contact us!

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