Order of Operations in Metal Additive Manufacturing
Author: Kevin Slattery and Jennifer Coyne
Like many manufactured products, multiple processes and inspections are required to make Metal Additive Manufactured (MAM) parts. Not only are these different operations necessary for the part to have the desired geometry and properties, but the order in which the different operations are performed are equally important. Having the correct order of operations in MAM are important to:
Ensure that the part can meet requirements (geometry and properties).
Leave the part in the ideal condition for subsequent operations.
Minimize the cycle time and economic loss if the part is discrepant
This order of operations needs to be considered during the design and analysis of the part, as it can influence both of these. Using a typical process flow with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) as examples, things that a product team needs to consider are…