The process of using a laser and donor materials for component prototyping and repair--loosely termed "laser additive manufacturing"--is just now gaining widespread adoption, thanks to decades of research, improved laser systems, and a demand for environmentally sustainable engineering practices. Whether its called laser cladding, laser additive manufacturing, or additive layer manufacturing, the process of depositing material on a substrate using a laser, or creating an entirely new three-dimensional object by building up layers of material, is gaining strength in the materials-processing community. Because of the high level of interest, at least two new workshops were announced this year. Although applications using lasers and donor materials for component repair, surface patterning and strengthening, and rapid manufacturing have been under development for decades, laser additive manufacturing is just now gaining widespread industrial and commercial adoption (see www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/349339). The reasons for increased adoption are similar to those for the growth in laser welding (see www.lasefocusworld.com/articles/341585), including the advent of higher-power laser systems with tailored beam profiles, improved parts quality and longevity, as well as the increased need for environmentally sustainable engineering practices that reduce energy consumption, toxic emissions, and material waste.
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