What is Laser DED? A Complete Guide to Directed Energy Deposition Technology
What is Laser DED (Directed Energy Deposition)?
Laser Directed Energy Deposition (Laser DED) is an advanced metal additive manufacturing process in which a focused laser beam creates a molten pool while metal powder or wire is simultaneously fed into the melt zone. The material solidifies immediately, building the component layer by layer directly from a 3D CAD model.
Unlike conventional manufacturing methods that remove material from a solid block, Laser DED adds material only where required, reducing waste and enabling the creation, repair, or enhancement of high-value metal components.
How Does Laser DED Work?
The Laser DED process typically follows these steps:
- A CAD model is converted into machine toolpaths.
- A high-power laser creates a localized melt pool on the substrate.
- Metal powder or wire is delivered directly into the melt pool.
- The deposited material rapidly solidifies.
- Successive layers are added until the final geometry is achieved.
This process allows material to be deposited precisely where needed, making it ideal for both manufacturing and repair applications.