Abstract: The scanning mode is a key technology in the laser metal deposition shaping (LMDS) fabrication process. On the basis of analysis of the existing scanning mode and its influence on the fabrication efficiency and quality of the parts, some disadvantages of the existing scanning mode are pointed out. A kind of subarea-parallel scanning mode for LMDS basic on subdividing profiled outline into monotonous polygon subareas is presented. On the basis of the principle of extreme point visibility, inner loops are eliminated, and simple polygons are subdivided into monotonous polygons with the minimal zones. Parallel scanning paths with adaptive scan space of all monotonous polygon subareas are finished, which diminishes the length of scanning line, and ensures uniform and compact filling scan. Practical application shows that the scanning mode can enhance the fabrication efficiency and quality.

Key words: Laser metal deposition shaping, Monotonous polygon, Point visibility, Subarea-parallel scan