Directed Energy Deposition through Powder Nozzle
LASERTEC DED: Additive Manufacturing by powder nozzle
Pinpoint material deposition using a powder nozzle
During laser metal deposition, also known as directed energy deposition (DED), material is deposited using a powder nozzle. The metal powder is thus blown into the laser, which fuses it to the surface of a metal with pinpoint accuracy. The process is characterised by a very high build-up rate. The layered 3D printing of the component can be performed using one or multiple materials. In the case of multi-material applications, different metals are applied in rotation, which give the component the desired properties, such as greater thermal conductivity or different levels of hardness in certain areas.
Economic maintenance thanks to laser metal deposition
The DED process also enables the repair or coating of existing components. This now concerns up to 50 percent of applications. The powder nozzle can deposit onto any material surface. This makes an entire range of applications possible, such as restoring worn tool moulds to their original quality. In many cases the method is less expensive than producing a new spare part following wear. The process is also faster, meaning that users can maximise the availability of their systems.
Hybrid concept for additive workpieces, with the same quality as precast units
In the majority of applications involving material build-up by means of laser metal deposition, post-processing steps using milling machines or lathes are required. Hybrid concepts, such as the LASERTEC DED hybrid series from DMG MORI, represent an economical alternative. In a single workspace, they combine laser metal deposition using a powder nozzle with conventional milling or milling/turning. Flexible changing between additive and chipping production enables the direct processing of component segments and the integration of the entire production chain into one machine. When performing laser metal deposition, users also benefit from 5-axis or 6-sided complete machining, as made possible by modern milling machines and milling/turning centres. An approach like this enables efficient finishing within the µm range – in places that otherwise may not have been accessible following the complete building up of the component. As such, even the most complex of geometries can be realised with the same quality as precast units.
Product range, up to XXL machining
The portfolio of hybrid machines ranges from the LASERTEC 65 DED hybrid to the LASERTEC 6600 DED hybrid. It is based on a turning/milling centre and offers travel distances of 1,040 x 610 x 3,890 mm.