Laser Deposition Processes

Laser deposition involves the articulation of a laser beam and the introduction of material into the beam path to fuse the material onto a substrate or into a functional shape. It can be divided into two broad categories: cladding and near-net shape processing. This article provides a discussion on the material combinations, characteristics of laser cladding, and the comparison with arc cladding. It reviews the characteristics and applications of near-net shape processing and explains the process involved in powder bed methods and direct powder methods.