Laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (Wire-fed)

DED process in which metal wire feedstock is melted by a laser beam. (Systems such as Meltio fall exactly into this category.)

Operating Principle & Process Flow

Operating Principle: A laser creates a melt pool into which metal wire is continuously fed and melted.

Process Flow: Laser ignition → Wire feed start → Robot/CNC traverses contour → Layer-by-layer build-up.

Technical Specifications

  • Energy Source: Laser.
  • Feedstock / Material Feed: Metal wire.
  • Typical Part Size: Medium to very large.
  • Build Rate: High (higher than powder DED, ~1–3 kg/h).
  • Accuracy: Medium (~±0.5 mm).
  • Surface Quality: Moderate (visible weld beads).

Applications & Materials

Typical Materials: Titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminium.

Typical Applications: Large structural parts, near-net-shape manufacturing, integration into existing CNC machining centres (hybrid).

Industries: Aerospace, space, automotive, general mechanical engineering.

This content was created in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

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