ABSTRACT
In this chapter, recent approaches to laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic components and alloys will be presented. Starting from a general overview of AM in terms of materials, processing scales and processing technologies, the focus is on metallic alloys and the currently most advanced technologies in this regard, namely Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Achievable accuracies as well as possible laser-generated defects and textures depending on process parameters are discussed. LPBF generated Ti-6Al-4V parts are post-processed via laser polishing in order to reduce surface roughness while maintaining biocompatibility and material bulk properties. LPBF is being applied to generate ventricular assist devices (VAD) made of titanium alloy to demonstrate its versatility as a design and production tool for this emerging application field. Finally, LMD will be presented as an outstanding technology not only for large device production, but also for research and development in order to face new material concepts such as graded materials and high entropy alloys.
