Part Repair using a Hybrid Manufacturing System

Kunnayut Eiamsa-ard, Hari Janardanan Nair, Lan Ren, Jianzhong Ruan, Todd Sparks, and Frank W. Liou Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Intelligent Systems Center, University of Missouri, Rolla, MO 65409 Reviewed, accepted August 3, 2005 ABSTRACT Nowadays, part repair technology is gaining more interest from military and industries due to the benefit of cost reducing as well as time and energy saving. Traditionally, part repair is done in the repair department using welding process. The limitations of the traditional welding process are becoming more and more noticeable when the accuracy and reliability are required. Part repair process has been developed utilizing a hybrid manufacturing system, in which the laser aided deposition and CNC cutting processes are integrated. Part repair software is developed in order to facilitate the users. The system and the software elevate the repair process to the next level, in which the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency can be achieved. The concept of repair process is presented in this paper. Verification and experimental results are also discussed.