What Directed Energy Deposition is

Directed Energy Deposition laser [2].
Process
- An arm with a nozzle moves over the build platform.
- Material (wire or powder form) is deposited from the nozzle onto the existing surfaces.
- The material is melted using an energy source. These sources can be a a laser, electron beam, or plasma arc.
- The model is built up layer by layer [1].
Curing Process
There is no additional process for curing after the piece is made. Post-processing steps may occur only if a certain finish is requested.
Materials
This additive manufacturing technique is mostly used with plastic, metal, ceramic [2].
Equipment Used Today
Applications
Parts can be built from scratch, and DED can also be used to fix complex damaged parts, such as turbine blades or propellers [3].
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The ability to control the grain structure to a high degree allows high-quality repairs [1]
- DED pieces can display mechanical properties comparable to (or better than) those of cast or wrought metals [2]
- The nature of the DED process doesn’t require gravity, making it a potential process for applications in space [2]
- LENS process can repair damaged parts that traditional methods can’t otherwise fix [2]
Cons:
- Finishes can vary depending on paper or plastic material but may require post-processing to achieve the desired effect [1]
- High equipment cost [2]
- The speed can often be sacrificed for high accuracy and a pre-determined microstructure [1]
- Most DED 3D printers are industrial machines with very large footprints that require a closed and controlled environment to operate [3]
Video Demonstration of the Directed Energy Deposition Process
Additive Manufacturing Media. (2019). What Is Directed Energy Deposition? Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPMjaYWM0X0. (12/28/20).
References
[1] https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/amrg/about/the7categoriesofadditivemanufacturing/directedenergydeposition/
[2] https://all3dp.com/2/main-types-additive-manufacturing/
[3] https://make.3dexperience.3ds.com/processes/directed-energy-deposition