Researchers at the Laser Aided Manufacturing Processes lab (LAMP Lab) have developed a five-axis laser deposition / CNC machining process through a NSF Major Research Grant (DMI 9871185). The NSF grant has provided the resources necessary to purchase and configure the basic infrastructure of the Laser Aided Material Deposition Process.

By combining laser deposition and machining processes, the resulting hybrid process can provide greater build capability and better accuracy and surface finish. The LAMP system fully utilizes multi-axis to minimize the usage of support structures by fabricating non-uniform thickness layers and changes the building direction as needed. The deposition process is monitored by a closed loop controller to optimize the parameters in real time. The issues and related approaches in the research and development of the hybrid deposition-machining process, include the laser deposition process, system design and integration, process planning, powder delivery and sensor selection and control.

Lamp Activities (Internal Site)