This summer experiments in a new type of rapid prototyping
tentatively called Direct Metal Deposition for the Rapid Prototyping
Process (DMDRP) were conducted. Work was done on the xyz table
utilizing Labview and Computer Eye program in order to direct the movement
of the table while a plasma welding torch was in use. A laser was also
being utilized in order to provide a feedback mechanism for the moving xyz
platform. During these experiments, it was found that the xyz table speed,
the orifice diameter of the plasma torch, and the maximum electrode
setback were variables which could not be controlled when the xyz table
was in operation. The wire feeder speed and power were the only ones which
could be controlled with certainty during operation.
