The balling phenomenon in Direct Laser Metal Deposition (DLMD) of AISI 316L Stainless Steel powder micro features is investigated. The influence of process parameters such laser power, laser scan speed, position of the working plane and powder feed rate is analyzed. The main achievements from the experiments are applied to identify appropriate setting for this technique in fabricating accurate micro-features.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing, Micro direct laser metal deposition, Balling phenomenon.