Which of the following processes is specifically related to Directed Energy Deposition?

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a specific additive manufacturing process where focused thermal energy is used to fuse materials by melting them as they are being deposited. The main feature of DED is the ability to melt materials—often in wire or powder form—while they are fed into the energy source. This process allows for the creation of complex shapes and components by adding material layer by layer.

Specifically, the process referred to in the correct choice involves the two essential actions of material feed and melting, which are foundational to the DED technique. During DED, material is continuously supplied (the feed) to the area of interest where it is melted using directed energy, such as lasers or electron beams. This allows for precise control over the build process and the material properties, enabling the fabrication of parts with tailored characteristics.

The other options, while relevant to different manufacturing and design processes, do not directly address the core mechanics of directed energy deposition. Blueprint designing pertains more to the planning phase of production, contouring and trimming relate to post-processing steps of a built part, and slicing and layering refer to conventional additive manufacturing methods that involve layer-by-layer construction but do not specifically involve melting materials with directed energy.