Temperature generation of different travel path strategies to build layers using Laser Metal Deposition

Laser Metal Deposition offers the chance to build near net shape parts. The temperature evolution within the process has an influence on track and layer geometries. There are special travel path strategies required to produce near net shape components and reduce shape deviation resulting of error propagation. This paper deals with the temperature progression of individual layers and the maximum heating of deeper substrate regions. Spiral and zig-zag strategies are examined. The investigations are carried out using S235JR as substrate and 316L as powder material. The influence of different strategies on temperature evolution is discussed. The results from the experiments show that various production strategies are associated with different temperature fields. Furthermore, the extent of the temperature variations of layer strategies and layer position are strongly dependent on the production direction. These results demonstrate the importance of developing suitable build-up strategies for parts of complex shape to ensure a stable process with constant temperature as well as even layers.