Closed loop direct metal deposition: art to part

The direct metal deposition (DMD) process is drawing considerable contemporary interest due to its capability to deliver "Art to Part". DMD can reduce the lead time For a concept to product by eliminating several intermediate steps. The most attractive feature of the process is that not only can it produce functional parts but it can also be interfaced with the homogenization design method, heterogeneous solid model and computer aided design software to produce "Designed Material" with desired properties generally not observed in nature. Closed loop DMD is a synthesis of multiple technologies including lasers, sensors, computer numerical controlled work handling stage, CAD/CAM software and cladding metallurgy. This paper describes the methodology used to produce a designed macro- and microstructure and reviews the state of the art for closed loop DMD. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.