Enhanced Airframe Structures Through Laser Deposition

"Triton Systems Inc. proposes an innovative method to tailor properties for low density, high performance titanium alloy airframe structural elements. The innovation proposed is to tailor (gradient) properties or selectively enhance properties of airframecomponents or structural elements, using Triton Systems' Laser Free Form Fabrication (LF3T ) technology, based upon the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) process. The LF3T process offers many advantages for airframe structural elements by,¿ being able to tailor material properties during deposition of the structural element, via localized control of the compositional / microstructural gradient of the alloy;¿ the ability to produce integral reinforcement structures without mechanical joints;¿ the capability during the deposition process to introduce selectively reinforced or modified compositions, such as in-situ alloys reinforced with titanium boride and carbide; and,¿ replacing lost material in damaged areas of a structural element.The application of the LF3T technology for airframe structural elements is unique since any geometric shape can be readily accommodated, and alloy compositions can be changed as required to either enhance properties by gradient material control and/or byselectively reinforcing critical areas of a structural element; i.e., such as an integral joint, either during design, manufacture or repair operations. The proposed LF3T process innova