Design and Integration of a Laser-Based Materials Deposition System

This paper aims to demonstrate the design process of an integrated five-axis Laser-Based Material Deposition (LBMD) system for rapid prototyping application. Several design evaluation methods are selected and applied to the design of the system. A three-dimensional graphical simulation software package was used as a decision making aid and as an analysis tool in the design process. Hardware integration of a five-axis computer numerical controlled (CNC) vertical milling machine, a 2.5 KW Nd:YAG laser and a linear table is discussed. A brief introduction to the system software and control architecture is also summarized. Some important design issues and considerations specific to Laser Based Material Deposition process are suggested.