Optimization of process parameters for hardness in high speed coating by Directed Energy Deposition

In recent years, metal 3D printers have been attracting attention not only for building solid parts but also for repairing and coating processes. The goal of this study is to apply the directed energy deposition (DED), which is one of the additive manufacturing, to realize high-quality metal coating by depositing the coating material on a cylindrical object. To evaluate the effect of process parameters, experimental points were set up based on the central composite design and deposition was performed using Inconel 625 as the material powder. The hardness of the coating was measured and statistically analyzed by the response surface methodology. From the analysis results, it was found that laser power has the largest influence on the coating hardness, which was improved by 28% compared to the low rotation speed by depositing under the optimum processing parameters.