Laser Metal Deposition of Metals and Alloys

Abstract

Laser metal deposition process has evolved over the past two decades and it has provided the needed solution into a number of engineering problems. The capability of this additive manufacturing technology to produce end used parts directly from metals and alloys is one of the attractive features of this manufacturing process. Laser metal deposition process can be used to create parts without the need for expensive and time wasting tooling. This technology helped to build near net shape components simply by adding materials layer after layer using the three dimensional (3D) model data of the part to be built. Laser metal deposition process is a true green manufacturing process that is capable of reducing material and energy wastages, help to reduce component lead time, and can also help to reduce carbon footprint through product remanufacturing capability. Any complex part that is difficult or prohibitive to be fabricated using the conventional manufacturing processes can readily be made using the laser metal deposition process. In this chapter, the use of laser metal deposition process for the processing of metallic materials and alloys are discussed. The current research activities and the future research direction are also presented.