Laser Direct Manufacturing Developments State-of-the-Art and Activities in the French Aerospace Industry

Abstract : Direct metal laser manufacturing technology is an innovative process, which allows fabricating parts directly from computer aided design data. This technology could be an alternative solution to obtain parts with excellent internal properties for low volume of production or to respond for product support in case of old aircraft. A quick overview is presented at first, then the development in the French aerospace industry. First tests or applications are shown and demonstrate the great potential of the laser direct manufacturing process for aerospace parts.