Effect of process parameters on AISI 316L single tracks by laser powder directed energy deposition

Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) process involves complex physical phenomena, which considerably affect the deposition quality. In process optimization, it is a general approach to firstly analyze single tracks to identify process parameters that guarantee an adequate adhesion to the substrate. This paper aims to evaluate the deposition efficiency and the contact angle of AISI 316L single tracks as process parameters vary. Thus, experiments were performed by varying laser power, travel speed, and feeder rotation. Results help both in clarifying the relationship between process parameters and single tracks characteristics and identifying the best combination of process parameters to enhance deposition quality and process efficiency.