Applying holographic laser beams to improve additive manufacturing metallurgy

Conventional round laser beams of symmetric energy distributions are recognised as a fundamental contributor to the issues surrounding the quality of additively manufactured components. The use of custom re-profiling with computer generated diffractive optical elements (DOEs) enables the modification of beam irradiance profiles with the purpose of creating deposits with improved material properties and physical characteristics.

This PhD project will involve collaborative work and supervision with the industrial partners Renishaw plc to develop new understanding of metal depositions and optical control for advanced powder bed additive manufacturing technologies. The work will include studying the 3D temperature distribution, fluid flow and cooling rates in materials produced by custom DOEs. Physical and microstructural property improvements from such an approach will be investigated.