Laser metal forming processes for rapid prototyping - A review

Abstract

In the current rapid prototyping processes, a physical part of a computer model can be quickly produced for functional and dimensional verification. Most of the existing systems can only produce non-metal parts, and thus limit rapid prototyping applications. The laser-based metal forming process is a technique that has the potential to produce fully functional models directly from a CAD system and eliminate the need for an intermediate step. This paper presents a review of the state of the art laser metal forming (LMF) processes. LMF process hardware, software, and process parameters are discussed, including laser parameters, beam delivery systems, work table variables, metal deposition techniques, measurement, and control. Process limitations, materials, and costs are summarized.