THERMAL ANALYSES FOR OPTIMAL SCANNING PATH EVALUATION IN LASER METAL DEPOSITION

Abstract

Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is a type of metal additive manufacturing technology. It utilizes a high-powered laser beam to melt powder-blown jets or wire feedstock material for metallic additive manufacturing, which has been used in many industrial applications, such as three dimensional (3D) component fabrication with complex structure, surface coating and defective component repair. To enhance the potential industrial applications of the LMD, laser scanning strategy needs to be appropriately selected as it has significant effects on the thermal behavior during the deposition process and the mechanical properties of the fabricated component. This work studies the laser scanning strategy of LMD, aiming to provide an optimal laser scanning pattern for a given to-be-laser-deposited component.