Abstract
Additive manufacturing via Direct Layer Deposition (DLD) is what the Laser Net Engineered Shaping or LENS machine is used to create components using metallic powders and a high powdered laser in the Flores Lab. In the lab this machine is used to create metallic alloys with high degrees of accuracy, but it has been difficult to get the accuracy required. By changing two variables, focus height and carrier gas flow rate, the concentration of the powder in a certain radius can be changed. The dot concentration and diameter were gotten using image analysis. It was found the LPM has a significantly larger impact on the dot diameter and concentration then the standoff distance, with 6 to 8 LPMs giving the best results. These results are useful, as they can be applied to achieve better and more consistent results in the lab.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Language
English (en)
Date of Submission
12-28-2025
Recommended Citation
Siefert, Max A., "How Gas Flow and Distance from the Laser Focus Affects Powder Deposition Focus Concentration in a LENS Machine" (2025). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 320.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/320