Process Monitoring of Directed-Energy Deposition of Inconel-718 via Plume Imaging

Laser-metal interactions typically results in vaporization and plume formation. These phenomena are complex and depend upon the details of the laser-vapor-melt interactions. As such, plume characteristics are sensitive to changes in process characteristics. Here, a spectroscopy-based imaging technique is presented for the monitoring of directed energy deposition of Inconel 718. Plume geometry is shown to be related to the processing parameters and geometry of single-bead deposits.