Hybrid manufacturing of metallic parts integrated additive and subtractive processes

Abstract

This review paper highlights the hybrid manufacturing processes which integrate the additive and subtractive processes performing on one hybrid platform consisting of the LMD (laser metal deposition) unit and multi-axis CNC machining center. This hybrid technology is rapidly developed and has many applications in Production/Manufacturing 4.0 including the LRT (laser repair technology). In particular, some important rules and advantages as well as technological potentials of the integration of a powder metal deposition and finishing CNC milling/turning operations are discussed and overviewed. Some representative examples such as formation of difficult features around the part periphery, deposition of functional layers and coatings and repair of high-value parts in aerospace industry are provided. Moreover, the technological strategies, CAD/CAM and CAI programs and construction designs of the hybrid manufacturing platforms are explained. Some conclusions and future trends in the implementation of hybrid processes are outlined.