Open AccessUsing the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS{trademark}) process to produce complex components from a CAD solid model
Author(s) -
John E. Smugeresky,
David M Keicher,
J.A. Romero,
Michelle L. Griffith,
L.D. Harwell
Publication year - 1997
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/554822
Subject(s) - materials science , lens (geology) , near net shape , trademark , cad , process (computing) , laser , inconel , fabrication , ductility (earth science) , mechanical engineering , engineering drawing , computer science , composite material , optics , engineering , alloy , physics , operating system , medicine , creep , alternative medicine , pathology
The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS{trademark}) process, currently under development, has demonstrated the capability to produce near-net shape, fully dense metallic parts with reasonably complex geometrical features directly from a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) solid model. Using a highly localized laser beam, metal powders are used to produce very fine grain high strength structures. Results to date show that excellent mechanical properties can be achieved in alloys such as 316 stainless steel and Inconel 625. Significant increases in yield strength have been achieved with no loss in ductility. The current approach lends itself to produce components with a dimensional accuracy of {+-} 0.002 inches in the deposition plane and {+-} 0.015 inches in the growth direction. These results suggest that the LENS{trademark} process will provide a viable means for direct fabrication of metallic hardware