DIRECTED ENERGY DEPOSITION
The technique works by depositing material onto a base or component that is being repaired through a nozzle mounted on a multi (usually 4 or 5) axis arm. The metal material that is fed to the nozzle is either provided in powder or wire form. As it is being deposited, a heat source melts the material simultaneously, usually using a laser, electron beam or plasma arc. This procedure is done repeatedly, until the layers have solidified and created or repaired an object.