Direct Metal Deposition Process

Directed energy deposition (DED) processes enable the creation of parts by melting material as it is being deposited. Although this basic approach can work for polymers, ceramics, and metal matrix composites, it is predominantly used for metal powders. Thus, this technology is often referred to as “metal deposition” technology (DMD). DED processes direct energy into a narrow, focused region to heat a substrate, melting the substrate and simultaneously melting material that is being deposited into the substrate’s melt pool. Unlike powder bed fusion techniques DED processes are NOT used to melt a material that is pre-laid in a powder bed but are used to melt materials as they are being deposited.  DED processes use a focused heat source (typically a laser or electron beam) to melt the feedstock material and build up three-dimensional objects in a manner .similar to the extrusion-based processes. Each pass of the DED head creates a track of solidified material, and adjacent lines of material make up layers. Complex three-dimensional geometry requires either support material or a multiaxis deposition head  

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