AMP - Advanced Manufacturing Park

Laser Direct Metal Deposition

Laser deposition can be used for repair, build and rapid prototyping. TWI's laser direct metal deposition systems use lasers supplying beams which can be focused to a spot from 0.2mm to 2.5mm plus in diameter. This makes the process suitable for depositing both fine detail and bulk materials.

Lasers are used because of their accuracy and low heat input, allowing fully dense, defect free deposits to be made. The process provides rapid, accurate placement of material at low heat input allowing the use of crack-sensitive alloys such as nickel-based alloys.

The equipment located at TWI's Yorkshire site, gives the company an outstanding range of capabilities, which are relevant to a range of applications, including;

• Build of medical implants
• Repair of mould tool surfaces
• Repair of high value parts such as aero engine components and military vehicles
• Tipping of turbine blades with protective coatings
• Surfacing of oil and gas drilling components

High Performance Machining is performed at the TWI.