Determination of layer thickness in direct metal deposition using dimensional analysis

Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) is a blown powder laser deposition process that can be used to quickly produce fully dense metallic parts and to repair or modify high-value components. This paper illustrates the use of dimensional analysis to develop a mathematical model for the control of layer deposition in DMD. A brief explanation of the material deposition process is presented and the factors affecting the metal deposition is identified so that they can be used in modeling the height of the metal deposited. The validity of the generalized model is verified from experimental data of H13 steel and Ti material and it is found in good agreement with experimental findings.