Study of the Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) technology, in the automotive industry

The last few decades in the automotive industry have been marked by a heavy concern with the environment, saving energy and reducing material wastage, while aiming to maintain good mechanical properties, essential in the components usage. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques present themselves as a viable option in the matter, with Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), rising as one of the most promising techniques within this category, capable of producing near-net shape components, with a layer upon layer construction of three-dimensional solid parts from a 3D CAD model, with good mechanical properties and acceptable surface finishing. Laser Metal Deposition is a relatively recent technique, which is made noticeable by the lack of clarification about the influence of several parameters in the final component’s characteristics, ultimately leading to a scarce availability of the process in the market. This paper aims to clarify and evaluate, how LMD produced parts can suit the automotive industry, by measuring and analysing their behaviour under several mechanical tests