Direct Metal Deposition (DMD)

Metal may be melted onto a surface to build 3D shapes or as a method of surfacing. If a laser is used to do this, the process is termed Direct Metal Deposition or DMD.

Metal may be deposited by a variety of processes - TWI advises on the use of high velocity oxy-fuel, TIG, electron beam as well as laser deposition.

There is currently considerable interest in DMD for repair and prototyping applications. The process provides rapid, accurate placement of material at low heat input allowing the use of crack-sensitive alloys such as nickel-based alloys of particular interest to gas turbine manufacturers and repairers.

The benefits of DMD include minimal post-process machining, negligible distortion and significant cost saving on high cost repairs.

DMD in action Forging tool repaired by DMD
DMD in action Forging tool repaired by DMD

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