FastWireAM (Fast-track development of a novel compact wire-feed system for Laser Additive Manufacturing)
Wire Laser Metal Deposition (w-LMD) is an Additive Manufacturing technique, and uses a laser beam to generate a molten pool of material on a substrate whilst simultaneously feeding wire into the melt pool. This produces a deposit or bead of material which can be built up layer-by-layer to produce a 3D geometry for freeform manufacturing and repair or to deposit a coating onto a component.
A uniquely designed wire-feed system was installed at TWI as part of the InnovateUK FastWireAM project. This focussed on evaluating the stability and flexibility of the system for depositing tool steels for coating and repair applications.