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Laser metal deposition
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<p>Laser metal deposition (LMD) is an <a href="/facts/Additive_manufacturing/lbvWU3t0">additive manufacturing</a> process in which a feedstock material (typically a <a href="/facts/Powder/PGd3HwHE">powder</a>) is melted with a <a href="/facts/Laser/jk6PTvvT">laser</a> and then deposited onto a substrate. A variety of pure metals and alloys can be used as the feedstock, as well as composite materials such as <a href="/facts/Metal_matrix_composite/cWKqblzk">metal matrix composites</a>. Laser sources with a wide variety of <a href="/facts/Intensity_(physics)/KFWkJkJI">intensities</a>, <a href="/facts/Wavelength/kcJU0ymz">wavelengths</a>, and optical configurations can be used. While LMD is <i>typically</i> a melt-based process, this is not a requirement, as discussed below. Melt-based processes typically have a strength advantage, due to achieving a full metallurgical fusion. </p><p>Synonyms include laser powder forming and the proprietary laser engineered net shaping, <a href="/facts/Additive_manufacturing/lbvWU3t0">additive manufacturing</a> technologies developed for fabricating metal parts directly from a <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_design/5gSXrmmN">computer-aided design</a> (CAD) solid model by using a metal powder injected into a molten pool created by a focused, high-powered <a href="/facts/Laser/jk6PTvvT">laser</a> beam. The process can also make "near" <a href="/facts/Net_shape/zV8SRjop">net shape</a> parts when it is not possible to make an item to exact specifications. In these cases post-production process like light <a href="/facts/Machining/Yrjfj6IV">machining</a>, <a href="/facts/Surface_finishing/Udeh3cxF">surface finishing</a>, or <a href="/facts/Heat_treatment/xR2tVyTU">heat treatment</a> may be applied to achieve end compliance. Other trademarked techniques include <a href="/facts/Direct_metal_deposition/k9EKVdgM">direct metal deposition</a> (DMD) and laser consolidation (LC). Compared to processes that use powder beds, such as <a href="/facts/Selective_laser_melting/7sF4VSuM">selective laser melting</a> (SLM) objects created with this technology can be substantially larger, even up to several feet long. </p>