Feature-based part decomposition and representation for multi-axis DED processes

The development of Directed Energy Deposition technologies enables the production of complex parts in Additive Manufacturing. Such parts require process planning to determine the best production sequence. In machining, the process planning is based on feature decomposition and specific rules. Regarding AM, there is no consensual definition of manufacturing features, making process planning more challenging to develop. Therefore, the proposed works focus on defining features in DED and a graphical representation of features decomposed parts. This representation integrates topological links between features, feature characteristics, and specific rules to help develop process planning in DED.