LMD

LMD TECHNOLOGY

Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is a process in which a focused laser beam is used to create a molten melt pool over the substrate. Metallic powder is fed into this molten melt pool to create a deposit that is fusion bonded to the substrate. Complex shapes and geometries can be built by depositing layer by layer using a gantry system or robot.

The deposited layers typically range from 0.005”-0.040” ( 0.12 mm – 1 mm) thick and 0.040”-0.160” (1 mm – 4 mm) wide. Applications of LMD process range from repair and remanufacturing of worn parts to 3D buildup of complex shapes and geometries.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS TECHNOLOGY

• Raw material costs higher than Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing but lower than Powder Bed Fusion.
• Build speeds from 0.2 Kg to 1 Kg/hour; higher in ‘coarse’ applications.
• Resolution “Near-Net-Shape” (0.2 – 0.5 mm overbuild) with typical layers between 0.2 mm to 2 mm (varies by application).
• LMD can be used in any phase of the product life cycle: from rapid prototypes and production parts to repair and remanufacturing applications.
• Resultant properties of finished part are close or equal to wrought in most of the cases. The adhesion is metallurgical bond and fully dense.
• LMD can achieve extreme fine-feature builds and deposition inside bores and cavities.
• LMD works with a huge range of materials that include wide range of Ti, Ni, Co & Co-Cr alloys, wide range of SS, low C, & tool steels, WC alloys, several CP metals.

Courtesy of RPM Innovations

APPLICATIONS AND REAL CASES

LMD technology is ready for low volume production and high value parts. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations of complex elements and inside bores/cavities like titanium blades and other worn components. Parts that were considered non repairable like seals, bearings and shafts can now be repaired and also improved.

Build-up rates and processing speeds are high and several powder containers can be active, and it is possible to develop your custom alloys as required, including hybrid manufacturing, functionally graded materials and multi alloy fabrication. Repair can be used for hard-facing and coating, repair of mould tool surfaces, high value parts and customisation parts on the fly.

LMD SYSTEMS OVERVIEW

EFESTO offers open and closed chamber LMD systems that are built on an industrially robust stainless steel platform. The close chamber controlled atmosphere systems offer a large work envelope with O2 content of less than 10 ppm oxygen. Our robust cladding nozzles in conjunction with proven motion system, powder feeder and auxiliary equipment offer reliability and peace of mind to our customers.

Our systems are suitable for low production and high volume parts being cost effective for repairs and manufacturing.