Study of Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) as a Manufacturing Technique in Automotive Industry

Abstract

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 components 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. These mechanical tests have specific focus on wear and abrasion behaviour, as well as elastic properties determination, as these are the characteristics that allow a better overview over the expected performance of LMD components for automotive applications.