Laser powder deposition

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the state of the art of laser powder deposition (LPD), a solid freeform fabrication technique capable of fabricating fully dense functional items from a wide range of common engineering materials, such as aluminum alloys, steels, titanium alloys, nickel superalloys and refractory materials.Design/methodology/approachThe main R&D efforts and the major issues related to LPD are revisited.FindingsDuring recent years, a worldwide series of R&D efforts have been undertaken to develop and explore the capabilities of LPD and to tap into the possible cost and time savings and many potential applications that this technology offers.Originality/valueThese R&D efforts have produced a wealth of knowledge, the main points of which are highlighted herein.