The goal of this paper is to investigate preliminary the applicability of 3D printing technologies for the development of the hot bulk forming process and die. 3D printing technology based on the plastic material was applied to the preform design of the hot forging process. Plastic hot forging dies were fabricated by Polyjet process for the physical simulation of the workpiece deformation. The feasibility of application of Laser-aided Direct Metal Rapid Tooling (DMT) process to the fabrication of the hot bulk metal forming die was investigated. The SKD61 hot-working tool steel was deposited on the heat treated SKD61 using the DMT process. Fundamental characteristics of SKD 61 hot-working tool steel deposited specimen were examined via hardness and wear experiments as well as the observation of the morphology. Using the results of the examination of fundamental characteristics, the applicability of the DMT process to manufacture hot bulk forming die was discussed.
