The Problem We Solve
Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
Traditional hybrid laser processing relies on electric arc plasma — an energy source with temperatures in the tens of thousands of degrees Celsius. This leads to excessive thermal stress, an enlarged heat-affected zone (HAZ), material structure degradation, and high operating costs. Previous attempts to stabilise the process treated gaseous media only as passive shielding. In SLCP, the ionised environment ceases to be a passive shielding gas and actively shapes the beam's interaction with the material.
Interplay of Beam and Active Ionised Environment
Precise control of beam energy in the processing zone
The patent-pending SLCP system replaces the energy-hungry electric arc with a stabilised ionised environment of high electron energy. This allows precise process management without introducing excessive heat into the material.
- Focused absorption: high-energy electrons create a localised "black body" zone that retains laser energy exactly where it is needed and prevents heat from dissipating into the material.
- Microstructural protection: low-temperature ions maintain the thermal stability of the surroundings and create an active chemical barrier that protects the processing zone from oxidation and loss of mechanical properties.
How the System Works
A proprietary optical system and gas activation
The system uses optimised laser sources (disc, diode, and others) generating a beam across a wide spectrum (from 200 nm to 15 µm). Energy is directed through a proprietary optical system with dynamic focal length control, which combined with the SLCP gas activation module ensures high process purity and repeatability.
Proven Processes
The SLCP system has been validated across six distinct material processing methods, with measurable gains over laser-only processing.
Welding (Titanium)
- Joint hardness 17% lower, with reduced residual stress
- No porosity or oxide inclusions
Cladding (Stellite 6 on Steel)
- Overlay width 24% greater
- No porosity or cracks detected
Alloying (Metco 15E on Steel)
- Surface hardness 1049 HV1, or 2.7× base material
- No porosity
Dispersing (ZrO2+Y2O3 on Titanium)
- Surface hardness 4.5× base material
- Impossible without CAP — all laser-only attempts failed
Surface Remelting (WC on Steel)
- Hardness 17% higher than laser-only
- Adhesive bonding upgraded to metallurgical bonding
Surface Heat Treatment (Steel)
- Surface hardness doubled (787 vs 396 HV1)
- No visible oxidation on treated surface
Main Advantages
Lower Energy Consumption
The interplay of the ionised environment with the laser beam reduces the power required from the laser source.
Minimal Heat-Affected Zone
SLCP concentrates the laser energy in the treatment zone and limits adverse changes beyond the intended area.
Previously Impossible Processes
Ceramic dispersion into titanium and other combinations that cannot be achieved by laser alone.
Built-In Oxidation Protection
Ionised argon chemically isolates the treatment zone from ambient oxygen and nitrogen.
Full Microstructure Control
Adjustable SLCP parameters allow tailoring grain size, stress distribution, and phase composition.
Metals & Composites
Ionic temperatures below material melting points make it possible to process non-metallic materials as well.
Applications
| Process | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| Welding | Aerospace-grade titanium joints, thin sheet assembly |
| Cladding | Wear-resistant coatings for industrial tooling |
| Alloying | Hardening of steel surfaces with Ni-Cr alloys |
| Dispersing | Ceramic reinforcement of titanium for extreme-wear |
| Surface Remelting | Upgrading flame-sprayed coatings to metallurgical bond |
| Heat Treatment | Localised hardening without bulk distortion |
Who Is This Technology For?
- Metal-processing plants and welding shops seeking more efficient and cheaper technologies
- Aerospace and defence manufacturers processing titanium and superalloys
- Tooling and coating manufacturers extending component life
- Plastics and composite processors needing precise surface treatment
- Research institutions developing hybrid processing methods
- Technology integrators and OEMs interested in licensing
Technology Readiness
Technology validated at pilot scale, with full metallographic and microstructural characterisation, hardness measurements, and chemical composition analysis. Covered by an international patent application.
We offer licences to deploy SLCP technology at your facility. We provide full technical support for system integration: from configuration selection to process parameter optimisation for your materials.