Directed Energy Deposition

Question 1

What is Directed Energy Deposition?

Answer 1

Focused thermal energy is used to fuse materials by melting as the material is being deposited

Question 2

What are the energy sources?

Answer 2

1. Laser beam – Intensive beam of light
2. Electron beam - high-velocity electrons are concentrated into a
   narrow beam with a very high planar power density
3. Plasma arc - temporary state of a gas

Question 3

Subcategories?

Answer 3

1. LENS - Lazer engineered net shaping

2. EBAM - Electron beam additive manufacture

Question 4

LENS Process?

Answer 4

Deposits are made in controlled argon atmosphere. Sheath gas compresses powder stream, Particles delivered in a gas stream into the focus of the laser to form a molten pool. Part of beam then moves.

Question 5

Materials?

Answer 5

• Predominantly Metal Powder
• Polymers
• Ceramics

Question 6

Strengths

Answer 6

 Fine microstructure results in high hardness
 Very high density parts
 Functionally graded metals
 Faster deposition rated than Powder Bed Fusion

Question 7

Weaknesses

Answer 7

 Requires inter atmosphere or vacuum enviro
 Poor resolution and surface roughness
 Cannot produce as complex structures as Powder Bed