Product Code: ICAL09_1304

The Significance of Melt Pool Variables in Laser Direct Deposition of Functionally Graded Aerospace Alloys
Authors:
Kamran Shah, The University of Manchester; Manchester Great Britain
Ahmad Salman, -; -
Andrew Pinkerton, The University of Manchester; Manchester Great Britain
Lin Li, The University of Manchester; Manchester Great Britain
Presented at ICALEO 2009

Laser Direct Metal Deposition (LDMD) has developed for diverse applications, from high precision manufacturing to repair. Although functional grading of surface coatings is well established, research into larger scale, intermetallic grading as an alternative to welding is ongoing. This paper considers the functional grading of Ti-6Al-4V to Inconel 718 for aerospace applications. A 1.5 kW diode laser and LDMD system are used to produce a series of graded thin wall deposits. Images of the process are captured using Cu-vapour laser illumination and a high speed camera with long range microscopic optics and results extracted via image analysis. Set parameters, in process variables such as quantified melt pool disturbance, and final part characteristics are then correlated and discussed. By monitoring in process variables, the work aids in better understanding what happens during LDMD, especially when material transition occurs, and how this leads to final deposit characteristics.