RPM Innovations' Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology is an additive manufacturing process in which metal powder is injected into the focused beam of a high-power laser under tightly controlled atmospheric conditions. The focused laser beam melts the surface of the target material and generates a small molten pool of base material. Powder is delivered into this same spot and is absorbed into the melt pool, thus generating a deposit. The resulting deposits may be used to Freeform or Repair metal parts for a variety of applications.
DED is a blanket name that encompasses many industry terms such as: 3D Metal Printing, Blown Powder Deposition, Laser Metal Deposition, and Direct Metal Deposition.
DED is a blanket name that encompasses many industry terms such as: 3D Metal Printing, Blown Powder Deposition, Laser Metal Deposition, and Direct Metal Deposition.
FREEFORM
The Freeform process starts with CAD data that is used to define near net shape parts without any hard tooling or forming.
Freeform provides the flexibility to generate parts with complex geometries, internal passages or cavities, as well as combine part assemblies into a single component, eliminating the need to join parts with processes that are less predictable.
Freeform can also selectively add unique features that are deposited directly onto conventional castings or forgings (providing a metallurgical bond).
Reduce machining time and waste to create a hybrid component that joins additive with conventional technologies
Freeform provides the flexibility to generate parts with complex geometries, internal passages or cavities, as well as combine part assemblies into a single component, eliminating the need to join parts with processes that are less predictable.
Freeform can also selectively add unique features that are deposited directly onto conventional castings or forgings (providing a metallurgical bond).
Reduce machining time and waste to create a hybrid component that joins additive with conventional technologies
DED Printed Toroid
DED Missile
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DED tank
DED cladded jacket
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DED Case
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REPAIR - CLADDING
DED can be utilized to repair worn or damaged parts that were considered non-repairable with conventional techniques.
Low heat input combined with a metallurgical bond repair provide a quality deposit to restore critical components at a lower cost than replacing a piece with a new part.
Additionally, DED may be utilized to clad a more functional material onto conventionally manufactured components, improving the wear resistance specifically to the locations of interest.
Low heat input combined with a metallurgical bond repair provide a quality deposit to restore critical components at a lower cost than replacing a piece with a new part.
Additionally, DED may be utilized to clad a more functional material onto conventionally manufactured components, improving the wear resistance specifically to the locations of interest.
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What are some of the benefits of DED over traditional welding and fabrication techniques?
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Rapid TurnaroundDED parts do not require tooling which significantly reduces manufacturing lead time from months to days which allows for faster speed to market.
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Metallurgical BondThe DED process is performed in an inert atmosphere and creates a metallurgical bond which is much stronger than the mechanical bond created using spray welding or plating techniques.
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Complex GeometryOur laser deposition machines produce parts that cannot be made using traditional manufacturing techniques, including small channels, thin walls, or gradient alloys throughout a part.
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Design EfficiencyDED allows for designs that would typically be made in several part assemblies to be made in a single all-in-one part which challenges conventional design guidelines and reduces failure modes at assembly locations.
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Low Heat InputThe DED process creates very low and controllable heat input with minimal dilution and heat effect zones which reduces the amount of internal stress and distortion experienced in the part.
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