An investigation of properties of FGM and wafer structures produced with laser direct metal deposition

Existing range of metallic alloys and structures possess a series of physical and mechanical properties that deem them useful or unusable in certain applications or environments. A solution to the cases where metallic alloys lack specific properties and therefore cannot function satisfactorily is to develop new innovative materials which possess the desired characteristics. These characteristics may include tailored mechanical, thermal and functional properties. Laser Direct Metal Deposition technique was used to create such innovative metallic structures to overcome some limitations of existing alloys. Laser assisted direct metal deposition offers endless opportunities to create innovative structures to further improve material performance and characteristics. The results offer a series of solution as well as pathways for development of further structures.