Additive Manufacturing as a Technique for In Situ Repair and Renovation of Marine Crankshaft Journals

Abstract

This article presents the analysis and redesign of an equipment aimed at repairing in-situ the journal surface of a marine diesel engine crankshaft, based on laser cladding technology. The paper outlines the comprehensive research conducted to study the device, identify its weaknesses and establish a strategy to improve it. To address this task, we shall describe (i) a study of the working environment, (ii) performance of functional analysis using computer-aided engineering tools and finite element analysis of the current prototype, (iii) a study of the results and identification of problematic areas, (iv) proposed improvements based on the results, (v) the presentation of a 3D model with the proposed improvements.