J. W. Sears, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, SD
Developments in Laser Cladding and Rapid Prototyping have led to a Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) technology that produce near net shape metal components by local laser fusion of metal powder alloys. These processes are known by various names such as: Directed Light Fabrication (DLF™), Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™), and Direct Metal Deposition (DMD™) to name a few. For simplicity, we generically refer to this technology as laser powder deposition (LPD. LPD technology has the capability to produce fully dense components with little need for subsequent processing. The LPD technology is also proving to be very useful for repair, including gas turbine engine (GTE) components, due to the high solidification rates and low heat input inherent in laser processing. This presentation gives an overview of the process, process control, material response and applications.
Summary: Developments in Laser Cladding and Rapid Prototyping have led to a Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) technology that produce near net shape metal components by local laser fusion of metal powder alloys. These processes are known by various names such as: Directed Light Fabrication (DLF™), Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™), and Direct Metal Deposition (DMD™) to name a few. For simplicity, we generically refer to this technology as laser powder deposition (LPD. LPD technology has the capability to produce fully dense components with little need for subsequent processing. The LPD technology is also proving to be very useful for repair, including gas turbine engine (GTE) components, due to the high solidification rates and low heat input inherent in laser processing. This presentation gives an overview of the process, process control, material response and applications.
