Direct metal deposition (DMD) is a powder jet additive-manufacturing (AM) technique that can be used for low-cost build, repair, hardfacing and reconfiguration of forging dies. The technique has also been used to add features such as flanges and bosses to forged parts to improve their functionality. This article uses four case studies to examine this technique in detail and compares its merits and limitations to conventional and other AM/welding techniques.