Technical guidance
Process, material and RFQ questions
Use the knowledge hub for specific engineering decisions and project inputs.
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LMD for large parts, repair and surface protection
Large metal parts, repairs and wear-protection layers engineered with LMD.
Exafuse manufactures, restores and protects high-value metal components using Laser Metal Deposition, SLM/LPBF and hybrid additive-subtractive process chains. Feasibility, finishing and inspection are considered from the start.
750 kg+Documented LMD components for the Duisburg bridge project
1,000 kgRotary-table capacity on the robotic LMD system
2 x 1 x 2 mPublished component window for the CNC-based LMD system
50M+Process-development data; the bridge case separately reports more than 1M images
Three project types
New component, repair or functional layer?
Start with the job the component must do. The manufacturing process follows from geometry, material, finishing and inspection requirements.
New component
Manufacture large or demanding metal parts
For near-net-shape large parts, prototypes and geometries where local material addition or a powder-bed process creates a technical advantage.
View part manufacturing
Repair and modification
Preserve or modify a valuable component
Rebuild worn regions, correct machining errors or add local features when replacement would take too long or make poor commercial sense.
View repair options
Surface protection
Apply a functional layer only where it is needed
Metallurgically bonded layers for locally stressed surfaces, including wear, corrosion, oxidation and sliding-contact duties.
View laser claddingTechnical capability
Part size, access and inspection requirements define the manufacturing plan.
Published equipment data defines the available technical envelope. Suitability still depends on the specific geometry, material and acceptance criteria.
2 x 1 x 2 mComponent window on the CNC-based LMD system
1,000 kgRotary-table capacity for robotic processing
LMD and SLM/LPBFProcess selection based on part size, detail and function
Finishing and inspectionAllowance, surface condition and inspection planning are considered early
Selected projects
Documented applications show where LMD creates value.
Each example has its own project scope and limitations. None replaces a part-specific feasibility or acceptance review.
Public infrastructure project
Duisburg bridge components
More than 750 kg of LMD components, including six structural nodes, with CAD adaptation, path planning, monitoring and project-specific validation.
View bridge project
Build and coat
130 mm drill
A coordinated LMD process combines part build-up with a tungsten-carbide-containing functional layer.
View drill project
Industrial repair
Forging-hammer restoration
Local material build-up, alloy selection, finishing and inspection are assessed together for the loaded working surface.
View repair projectFeasibility in four steps
A useful review starts with the component, not a premature process choice.
Good input data shortens the review and makes quotations easier to compare.
1
Part and duty
Drawing or CAD, material, dimensions, damage or functional zone, and the result the component must deliver.
2
Process and material
LMD, SLM/LPBF, repair or laser cladding are compared against access, heat input and material compatibility.
3
Finishing and inspection
Machining allowance, surface requirements, inspection methods and acceptance criteria are defined before manufacturing.
4
Technical next step
You receive a clear response on missing information and whether a quotation, trial or deeper feasibility review is appropriate.
Initial direction
Not sure which process suits your component?
The Pathfinder uses the project goal, part situation and available data to suggest a useful starting point. It does not replace technical feasibility review.
Pathfinder
Answer a few questions about the component and get a relevant starting point.
Inputs stay in the browser. Nothing is sent to Exafuse unless you then choose to make contact.
Start PathfinderFinishing and inspection
The functional surface and inspection plan belong in the manufacturing approach from the start.
Deposition alone is rarely the finished result. Machining, surface condition, inspection and documentation are defined for the individual project.
Technical assessment without blanket approval claims
Dimensional checks, microscopy and metallographic preparation can support project assessment. The required scope and acceptance criteria must be agreed for the specific component.
Technical resources
More detail when an initial process choice is not enough.
Technical guides answer specific questions about LMD, SLM/LPBF, repair, materials and inspection. Research pages distinguish public development work from project-specific qualification.
Research and development
Public projects in LMD, SLM and process monitoring
Project pages explain the research goal, Exafuse contribution and limits of the published results.
View research projectsStart with one component
Send the drawing or CAD, material, dimensions and target requirement.
Exafuse will identify missing information and recommend an appropriate technical next step.