ABSTRACT
The layer-by-layer method of additive manufacturing (AM) offers many advantages over other conventional manufacturing methods. However, various issues have yet to be addressed, especially related to materials and properties, before AM technologies are more widely adopted. In order to take advantage of AM technologies, engineers and scientists must have a good understanding of material microstructures, defect formation, and proper adjustment of process parameters to achieve the properties required for the intended applications. In this chapter, some of the recent numerical and experimental studies on the laser deposition of metallic materials are presented. The focus is placed on how process parameters can affect microstructural evolution, defect formation, and properties of the laser-deposited materials. The topics include thermal behavior during layer depositions, residual stresses, porosity formation, and solidication microstructure. These studies show that the combination of numerical simulations with experimental validation can help develop a better understanding of the AM processes and their effect on material structures and properties. They can also contribute to optimize the AM processes in order to successfully implement these technologies for commercial applications.
