Additive Manufacturing of Columnar Thermal Barrier Coatings by Laser Cladding of Ceramic Feedstock

Abstract This study presents a new laser‐cladding‐based additive manufacturing technique named Clad2Z. Using a robot‐mounted confocal powder nozzle with axial infrared laser beam, ceramic columns with a diameter of 450 µm and an adjustable height are developed. Influence of laser parameters and robot movements on shape and microstructure is analyzed. As an example application, the common material yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is used to deposit columnar‐structured thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The excellent thermal cycling performance of the Clad2Z samples is demonstrated by burner rig tests and comparing lifetime and failure mechanism with conventional TBC systems.