Laser Metal Deposition Shaping System for Direct Fabrication of Parts

Abstract:

The fabrication of metal parts is the backbone of the modern manufacturing industry. Laser forming is the combination of five common technologies: lasers, rapid prototyping (RP), computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and powder metallurgy. The resulting process creates part by focusing an industrial laser beam on the surface of processing workpiece to create a molten pool of metal. A small stream of powdered alloy is then injected into the molten pool to build up the part gradually. By moving the laser beam back and forth and tracing out a pattern determined by a CAD, the solid metal part is fabricated line by line, one layer at a time. By this method, a material having a very fine microstructure due to rapid solidification process can be produced. In the present work, a type of direct laser deposition process, called Laser Metal Deposition Shaping (LMDS), has been employed and developed to fabricate metal parts. The LMDS apparatus consists of four primary components: energy supply system, motion control system, powder delivery system, and computer control system. These components have their specified functions, but work in association with each other.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 66-68)
• Pages: 2202-2207
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.66-68.2202
• Online since: July 2011
• Authors: Kai Zhang, Xiao Feng Shang, Wei Jun Liu
• Keywords: Laser Metal Deposition Shaping (LMDS), Layered Direct Fabrication, Metal Part, Rapid Prototyping (RP), System Component

References

[1] A.V. Gusarov, I. Smurov: Direct Laser Manufacturing with Coaxial Powder Injection: Modelling of Structure of Deposited Layers. Appl. Surf. Sci., Vol. 253(19) (2007), P. 8316-8321.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2007.02.118

[2] Wen Guo: Microstructural Design of Mechanical Properties for Laser-fabricated Stainless Steel Parts. Dissertation, the University of Central Florida (2000).

[3] L. Wang, L.Y. Qin, M. Tong and K. Xiang: Multistip-Like Behavior and Error Evaluation Method in Rapid Prototyping Manufacturing. J. Shenyang Univ. Technol., Vol. 30(3) (2008), pp.318-321.

[4] J.Y. Jeng, S.C. Peng and C.J. Chou: Metal Rapid Prototype Fabrication Using Selective Laser Cladding Technology. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Tech., Vol. 16(9) (2000), pp.681-687.

DOI: 10.1007/s001700070039

[5] X. Lin and T.M. Yue: Phase Formation and Microstructure Evolution in Laser Rapid Forming of Graded SS316L/Rene88DT Alloy. Mat. Sci. Eng. A, Vol. 402(1-2) (2005), pp.294-306.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2005.05.024