Which of the following statements about directed energy deposition (DED) build materials is true?

The statement that DED build materials can be either in the form of metal wire or powdered feedstock is accurate because directed energy deposition (DED) is a versatile additive manufacturing process that allows for the use of various types of materials. DED utilizes focused energy sources, such as lasers or electron beams, to melt and deposit materials layer by layer, which can include both metal wires and powders. This flexibility enables manufacturers to choose the most appropriate form of material for their specific applications, making DED suitable for creating complex parts and repairing existing components in various industries, particularly in metalworking.

Other forms of material, such as plastics, are generally not used in DED processes, which is why the statement regarding suitability for plastics is incorrect. Additionally, the limitations to wire form and liquid form only overlook the broader capabilities of DED technology to utilize multiple feedstock options effectively.