Cladding – Protective Covering in Engineering

Definition

Cladding in engineering refers to the permanent application of a protective material onto the surface of another, typically to enhance resistance against corrosion, abrasion, extreme temperatures, and chemical attack. The substrate or base is often a strong, cost-effective metal such as carbon steel, while the cladding layer is a high-performance alloy or material—like stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium, ceramics, or advanced composites—chosen for its superior protective properties.

Unlike surface coatings, which are thin and may be mechanically or chemically bonded, cladding is characterized by a robust, often metallurgical bond at the atomic level. This creates a composite structure, with the base supplying mechanical strength and the cladding providing specialized protection. Cladding can also use non-metallic materials in civil construction for fire resistance, weatherproofing, or aesthetics.

Cladding is critical in industries where the base material alone is insufficiently resistant to the environment—oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, heavy industry, and modern architecture. It is more economical than constructing entire components from expensive alloys, offering both cost and functional advantages. International standards (ISO, ASTM, ASME) govern cladding material selection, manufacturing, inspection, and performance requirements to ensure reliability in critical applications.

Purpose and Mechanisms

Primary Functions

Cladding serves several key purposes:

• Corrosion Resistance: Shields base metals like carbon steel from corrosive agents (acids, chlorides, seawater, industrial gases).
• Abrasion and Wear Resistance: Protects surfaces exposed to continual impact or sliding, such as in mining and power generation.
• Thermal Protection: Withstands high temperatures in environments like turbines and reactors.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: In architecture, provides both weather protection and a durable, attractive finish.
• Functional Performance: Imparts desired electrical, thermal, or chemical properties for specialized applications.

Mechanisms of Protection

Cladding protects through:

• Metallurgical Bonding: Achieved via weld overlay, roll bonding, or explosion bonding, forming atomic-level bonds.
• Physical Attachment: Panels or sheets are mechanically fastened, mainly for architectural uses.
• Barrier Formation: Acts as a continuous shield preventing ingress of water, chemicals, or gases.
• Composite Action: Combines the strengths of both materials—the base carries load, the cladding provides protection.

Types of Cladding

Cladding systems are selected based on environment, required properties, geometry, and economics.

Weld Overlay Cladding

Weld overlay involves depositing protective material onto a substrate using welding processes (GMAW, SAW, TIG). This creates a strong metallurgical bond. It’s versatile, handling complex shapes and large surfaces, but requires control of heat input to avoid distortion and dilution. Common in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and piping.

Roll Bonding (Roll Cladding)

Roll bonding stacks base and clad sheets, heats them, and passes them through rolling mills, creating a continuous bond via plastic deformation. Suited for large, flat plates, it’s cost-effective for high-volume production but limited to simple geometries.

Explosion Bonding (Explosion Cladding)

Explosion bonding uses controlled detonation to weld clad plate onto a substrate through high-velocity impact. Ideal for joining dissimilar metals, it preserves base material properties and avoids thermal distortion. Used in bimetallic transition joints and chemical reactor linings.

Mechanical Cladding

Mechanical cladding attaches panels with bolts, rivets, or clips—no atomic bond is formed. Widely used in building exteriors for flexibility and ease of maintenance, though less robust against severe hazards.

Laser and Thermal Spray Cladding

Laser cladding and thermal spray involve melting and depositing powder or wire feedstock onto the substrate. Laser cladding offers precision and minimal heat effect, while thermal spray can cover larger areas. Both methods are excellent for repairs and targeted wear protection.

Comparison Table of Cladding Methods

Cladding Materials

Common Materials

• Stainless Steels (304, 316, 321): Widely used for general corrosion resistance.
• Nickel-Based Alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy): For strong acids, chlorides, and high temperatures.
• Chromium/Tungsten Carbide: Exceptional abrasion and erosion resistance.
• Titanium: Outstanding acid and seawater resistance.
• Aluminum and Copper: Used in architecture and electrical applications.
• Composites/Fiber Cement: Non-metallics for fire resistance and weatherproofing in construction.

Material Selection Criteria

• Corrosion Environment: Analyze chemicals present; use stainless steel for mild, nickel/titanium for aggressive media.
• Temperature Range: High-temp applications require oxidation-resistant alloys.
• Mechanical Compatibility: Match thermal expansion coefficients.
• Wear/Abrasion Threats: Use hardfacing alloys or ceramics.
• Cost and Availability: Cladding enables use of expensive alloys only where needed.
• Standards Compliance: Follow ASME, ASTM, ISO standards for safety and performance.

Example: Pressure Vessel Cladding

A sulfuric acid pressure vessel often uses a carbon steel base with a 3–6 mm Inconel 625 weld overlay, combining strength with acid resistance economically.

Cladding Process Steps

1. Surface Preparation: Clean via blasting, pickling, degreasing; ensure proper roughness.
2. Equipment Setup: Calibrate welding, rolling, explosive, or laser systems.
3. Bonding/Application: Apply with controlled passes, stacking, or detonation as appropriate.
4. Temperature Control: Monitor preheat, interpass, and cooling rates.
5. Intermediate Cleaning: Remove slag/oxides between layers if needed.
6. Inspection: Employ NDT methods (UT, RT, PT, visual).
7. Post-Treatment: Stress relief, machining, or finishing as required.

Applications and Use Cases

• Oil & Gas: Internal cladding of pipelines, vessels, risers with stainless or nickel alloys for H2S/corrosion resistance.
• Chemical Processing: Reactors, piping, and vessels clad for acid/solvent resistance.
• Power Generation: Boiler tubes and panels are clad to resist oxidation and corrosion.
• Marine/Offshore: Ship hulls and risers clad for seawater and biofouling protection.
• Mining/Cement: Chutes and wear plates clad against abrasion and impact.
• Building Exteriors: Panels provide weather/fire protection and aesthetics.

Case Study: Clad Pressure Vessel

A chemical plant switched from monolithic nickel alloy to carbon steel vessels with a 5 mm Alloy 625 clad, achieving over 10 years of service life and substantial cost savings.

Benefits of Cladding

• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Greatly extends component life.
• Structural Efficiency: Strong, economical base with thin, high-performance cladding.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower material/fabrication costs than all-alloy construction.
• Design Flexibility: Suitable for complex shapes and targeted repairs.
• Reduced Maintenance: Durable surfaces minimize downtime.
• Sustainability: Reduces waste and material usage.

Limitations and Challenges

• Fabrication Complexity: Requires specialized equipment and skilled operators.
• Initial Cost: Higher upfront investment than coatings (but less than monolithic alloy).
• Potential Delamination: Risk if process control lapses or during thermal cycling.
• Weldability Issues: Joints and repairs are challenging due to alloy differences.
• Inspection Demands: Advanced NDT/QA required.
• Material Limitations: Not all combinations are feasible due to physical properties.

Performance Properties and Testing

• Bond Strength: Shear and peel tests gauge the clad/base bond.
• Corrosion Resistance: Salt spray, immersion, and electrochemical tests.
• Wear/Abrasion Resistance: Abrasion and hardness testing.
• Microstructural Analysis: Microscopy for bond interface and defect detection.
• Mechanical Strength: Flexural and tensile tests confirm structural integrity.

Quality Control

• Non-Destructive Testing: UT, RT, PT, and visual at multiple stages.
• Destructive Testing: Coupons for peel, shear, and hardness validation.
• Documentation: Full traceability and certification for compliance.

Standards and Specifications

• ISO 14901: Clad plate specifications and test methods.
• ASTM A947: Clad steel plate manufacturing and inspection.
• ASME Section VIII: Pressure vessel cladding requirements.

Conclusion

Cladding is a vital engineering technology enabling the combination of cost-effective structural substrates with advanced surface protection. Through methods like weld overlay, roll bonding, explosion bonding, and mechanical attachment, cladding extends the life and performance of equipment in harsh environments—while offering significant cost, maintenance, and sustainability benefits. Rigorous quality assurance and adherence to standards ensure its safe and effective application across industries.