Directed Energy Deposition is one of seven ISO/ASTM 52900 process categories for additive manufacturing. It uses focused thermal energy (laser, electron beam, or arc) to fuse materials by melting them as they are deposited onto a substrate.

DED processes include:

• WAAM: Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (arc + wire)
• LMD: Laser Metal Deposition (laser + powder or wire)
• EBAM: Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (e-beam + wire)

DED is particularly suited for large parts, repair applications, and adding features to existing components. Build rates are typically higher than powder bed fusion but with lower resolution.

• Typical Materials Metals, metal matrix composites
• Heat Sources Laser, electron beam, arc
• Feedstock Wire or powder
• Primary Applications Large parts, repair, cladding

• Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
• Laser Metal Deposition
• Powder Bed Fusion

• ISO/ASTM 52900 - AM Terminology