Laser powder fusion of H13 tool steel using pulsed Nd:YAG laser

Laser Powder Fusion has been used to explore the possibility of fabricating 3-dimensional parts from Computer Aided Design (CAD) data, using the underlying philosophy of 'Rapid Prototyping' or 'Freeform fabrication' techniques. Such techniques have emerged in the past decade or so, as a revolutionary way of designing and realising products primarily for form, fit and functionality. Applications have evolved in the areas of automotive, aerospace, medicine to name a few. The Laser Powder Fusion technique is characterised by the use of a heat source, like a laser or electron beam used for melting or fusing powder material like metal, polymers etc to the required geometry, by tracing and filling in (or rastering) 2-dimensional contours, line by line, layer upon layer, to obtain the 3D geometry. The motivation for the present work comes from the use of this technique for fabricating components with enhanced functionality, for applications in production and prototype tooling, engine parts etc. [Continues.]