Microplasma powder deposition as a new solid freeform fabrication process

Abstract

This paper attempts to apply microplasma powder deposition (MPPD) for solid freeform fabrication (SFF). The relationship between the geometric features of the deposited layers and the welding parameters is investigated. The arc length is controlled through the monitoring of arc voltage. The microstructure and the properties of the deposited layers are analysed. The experimental results show that the MPPD process is a promising welding-based SFF technology that is capable of building relatively small-size parts with low cost. The result of building parts with functionally graded components by the MPPD process is shown as well.