Currently, high value Class 1 jet engine components such as BLISKs (Blade Integrated DiSKs) are manufactured by time and cost-prohibitive conventional techniques, such as five-axis milling, linear friction welding and electro chemical machining. This project within the Fraunhofer Cluster of Innovation "TurPro" qualifies the LMD process as a new "green manufacturing" method for nickel and titanium alloy-based BLISKs. Quality assurance and predictable material properties remain a major concern when aiming for a process certification of additive manufacturing of BLISK blades. This paper presents the results of a microstructure investigation of laser cladded IN 718 using increased deposition rates of up to 7000 mm3/min. Presented are the ternary relations between process parameters, dendrite arm spacing and resulting mechanical properties with respect to niobium segregation.