Comparison of Thermal Properties of Laser Deposition and Traditional Welding Process via Thermal Diffusivity Measurement

Laser deposition is an effective process for mold and die repair. In order to improve the part repair qualityˈthe process impact on thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity needs to be understood for laser deposited, welded and virgin H13. In this paper, H13 tool steel samples were made by laser deposition, welding and virgin H13 and then cut into pieces. Experiments were conducted to investigate the thermal diffusivity and conductivity. A laser flash method is used to test these samples. The future work and opportunities are also summarized.