Laser Powder Fusion has been used to explore the possibility of fabricating 3-dimensional parts from Computer Aided Design (CAD) data, using the
underlying philosophy of 'Rapid Prototyping' or 'Freeform fabrication'
techniques. Such techniques have emerged in the past decade or so, as a
revolutionary way of designing and realising products primarily for form, fit and
functionality. Applications have evolved in the areas of automotive, aerospace,
medicine to name a few. The Laser Powder Fusion technique is characterised
by the use of a heat source, like a laser or electron beam used for melting or
fusing powder material like metal, polymers etc to the required geometry, by
tracing and filling in (or rastering) 2-dimensional contours, line by line, layer
upon layer, to obtain the 3D geometry.
The motivation for the present work comes from the use of this technique for
fabricating components with enhanced functionality, for applications in
production and prototype tooling, engine parts etc. [Continues.
