D. H. Abbott, K. Lyons, F. G. Arcella, AeroMet Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN
The AeroMet Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) process is being used to fabricate full scale aerostructures meeting all requirements for flight deployment. The types of defects possible within the LAM process will be reviewed, compared with possible defects by other forming processes, and methods developed by AeroMet to avoid defects will be overviewed. Control of laser forming parameters as well as development of trajectory tools in the tool kit and process robustness studies to avoid defects will be reviewed. Experience in meeting all mechanical strength requirements as well as being within interstitial chemistry, ultrasound, radiography, dye penetrant, and dimensional NDE specifications will be reviewed. The success in controlling structure integrity in the production of 20 F-15 pylon ribs, as well as experience with other structures will be overviewed.