AM Academy

Directed Energy Deposition (DED)
Deep-Dive

Gain a deep understanding of the different Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technologies, including their working principles, applications , machine suppliers, digital workflow, standards, and cost-performance characteristics.

DED Deep-Dive

About the DED course

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a family of high-throughput metal AM processes that use either wire or powder feedstock combined with focused energy sources such as lasers, electric arcs, or electron beams. DED is used for applications ranging from part repair and coating to the production of large structural components and near-net-shape parts, offering an attractive alternative to casting and forging in many industries.

This course provides a comprehensive deep dive into the full range of DED technologies. You will learn about system capabilities and process variations (Laser, Arc, and Electron Beam DED, Cold Spray), explore benchmark data from leading OEMs, and understand the digital process chain, feedstock options, and evolving standards relevant to DED. The course equips you with the knowledge to apply DED technologies effectively and to compare their performance against other metal AM processes.

It is designed for engineers, designers, production specialists, and decision-makers evaluating DED for industrial-scale applications. The course is updated regularly to reflect new insights and developments across the industry.

What will be included in this course?

What you will gain from this course

A solid understanding of the technology principles behind Cold Spray, Laser, Electron Beam and Arc DED
Knowledge of the digital process chain from CAD to finished part, including data preparation
Insights into system performance, build rates, and typical surface properties
Familiarity with the key players in the DED market and their technology offerings
An overview of wire feedstock options and emerging AM standards

Who this course is for

This course is intended for professionals in engineering, manufacturing, and AM development roles. Whether you are considering DED for new applications or already using it and want to benchmark and optimize your setup, this course serves as both a foundation and a reference.

To get started with this course, simply click on the first lesson below.