Rapid prototyping with CO2 laser radiation

The one-step powder cladding of stainless steel by stellite with CO2 laser radiation is investigated as a function of laser parameters (power density, beam geometry, mode of operation) and processing variables (scanning speed, powder feed, assisting gases) as a tool of production for rapid prototyping. The main emphasis is on the evaluation of the laser parameters and processing variables for the generation of arbitrary metallic geometries with respect to thickness, height, curvature and coverage of 3D structures.