Introduction to Laser Cladding in Mining Tools

Laser cladding is an advanced surface modification technology that enhances the durability and wear resistance of mining and tunneling equipment. On August 16th, at the Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park in the Yangquan High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Qineng Company’s production line was running at full capacity. Through a series of processes—including laser cladding, drilling, welding, quenching, and cooling—high-strength, spark-resistant mining pick cutters were produced using innovative new materials.

These mining picks are critical tools in coal mining and tunnel excavation. With the integration of laser cladding technology, their performance and service life have been significantly improved.

The Role of Mining Picks and Common Challenges

Mining picks are generally divided into two categories:

·  Shearer picks – mainly used for coal mining.

·   Roadheader picks – designed for tunnel excavation and requiring greater hardness and toughness.

 As one of the most consumed components in mining machinery, the quality of picks directly impacts mining efficiency. Traditional picks often suffer from:

·  Easy chipping and cracking

·  Head collapse

·  Poor wear resistance

·  Frequent bending or breaking

These issues not only increase production costs but also reduce efficiency. Additionally, conventional picks generate a large amount of sparks when grinding against rocks, posing safety hazards such as gas combustion and explosions in underground coal mines.

Advancements Through Laser Cladding Technology

To overcome these challenges, Greenstone Laser developed a nickel-aluminum-based wear-resistant coating using laser cladding technology in 2023. This innovation enabled the creation of China’s first diamond carbide alloy head with a rock-breaking hardness of F16.

The pick’s structure is composed of:

·  The blank

·  The alloy head

·  The laser-clad wear-resistant layer

By combining high-hardness materials such as WC and C with Co-based alloys, the diamond carbide head achieves exceptional hardness and toughness. With a hardness of up to 1962 HV20, it provides:

·  3–5 times higher wear and impact resistance than traditional carbide heads

·  50% improvement in work efficiency

·  30% reduction in mining costs

·  2–3 times longer service life

This makes laser-clad carbide heads particularly suitable for high-hardness, rugged coal formations.

Innovation and Industrial Impact

In June 2023, the preparation method for this laser cladding alloy coating was granted an invention patent. The diamond carbide tips have since entered trial production, marking a breakthrough in domestic mining tool manufacturing.

Innovation through laser cladding technology not only enhances the durability of mining tools but also contributes to safer and more efficient mining operations. Greenstone Laser continues to push the boundaries of industrial materials, supporting high-quality economic and social development.