Hybrid directed energy deposition process coupled with plastic deformation

Abstract

Laser directed energy deposition (LDED) process has unique advantage in rapid forming of large-sized metal components, gradient material/structural components, or repairing/remanufacturing worn parts. However, the high residual stress and strong anisotropy in mechanical properties of the as-deposit components limit the application of LDED technology in the manufacturing of key structural components. To overcome these problems, various hybrid additive manufacturing (HAM) technologies have been developed, such as plastic deformation, ultrasonic or magnetic field assisted LDED processes to improve the quality and the mechanical properties, where these coupled processes are carried out either simultaneously or cyclically with the LDED process. The hybrid additive manufacturing, while retaining the advantages of individual forming process, avoids the mutual interference between each process and reducing the adverse effects generated if used separately. Hybrid additive manufacturing processes fundamentally change the underlying physical mechanisms of molten pool dynamics, microstructural evolution, temperature and thermal stress gradient in additive manufacturing, thereby optimizing the microstructure and performance of the manufactured components. In this paper, the key technical features of the hybrid additive manufacturing process coupled with plastic deformation were described in details, and the resulting differences in microstructure, residual stress, and mechanical properties of the prepared samples were systematically analyzed. The developing trend of hybrid additive manufacturing processes in coupling mechanisms, parameter optimization, and equipment have been discussed.