Exafuse used Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) both to build a 130 mm drill demonstrator and to add a final wear-resistant, antimagnetic functional coating based on a tungsten-carbide-containing alloy. The published process video documents the sequence from powder-fed deposition to the finished part. This is one project example, not a standard delivery-time or drilling-performance claim.
Project overview
| Project element | Published context |
|---|---|
| Part | 130 mm functional drill demonstrator |
| Manufacturing approach | LMD part build-up followed by an LMD functional coating |
| Surface function | Wear-resistant, antimagnetic coating based on a tungsten-carbide-containing alloy |
| Published evidence | Process video and photographs of the manufacturing sequence and finished part |
| Scope of the result | Demonstrates an integrated build-and-coat workflow; material compatibility, finishing and inspection remain application-specific |
Why the build and coating were planned together
Special tools can require two different functions from the same component: a deposited geometry and a working surface with defined wear, magnetic or corrosion behavior. Treating these tasks separately can create conflicts in material compatibility, dilution, heat input, machining allowance and inspection.
For this demonstrator, geometry and surface function were considered as one manufacturing chain. That made it possible to plan where LMD created the part shape, where the functional coating was required and which surfaces still needed finishing.
Manufacturing approach
Powder-fed LMD created the drill geometry along a controlled deposition path. A functional coating was then applied to the relevant surface. The value of this approach lies in combining local material addition with a separate surface function, rather than assuming that every drill or every surface should be manufactured in the same way.
The process video is useful because it shows the real sequence. It supports the project record, but it does not replace material testing, dimensional inspection or application-specific acceptance criteria.
Result and scope
The project demonstrates that LMD can connect part build-up and functional coating within one coordinated workflow. It does not establish a universal lead time, transferable parameter set or certified drilling performance. A comparable part still requires review of the substrate or starting blank, coating duty, finish and inspection plan.
Information for a similar assessment
Provide CAD or a drawing, overall dimensions, starting material, the surfaces that require a special function, the operating duty, machining or grinding allowance, quantity, target date and inspection requirements. State clearly whether wear resistance, antimagnetic behavior, corrosion resistance or another surface property is required.
