Deposition strategies using arc oscillation to improve the fabrication of solids by wire arc additive manufacturing

This work investigates deposition strategies using arc oscillation to manufacture steel solids by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) in order to avoid excessive grain growth, one of the main challenges in solid manufacturing by WAAM. The components were characterised morphologically, mechanically, metallurgically and in terms of material efficiency and geometric uniformity. The results show that the solids fabricated with arc oscillation resulted in an average grain size similar to the original base material or even smaller in completely continuous depositions, i.e. without idle time. The strategies can be used to produce solids without heat treatments or waiting time between layers, therefore increasing the deposition rate and reducing costs. Smaller oscillated beads generated solids with more uniform and accurate dimensions, showing better use of material and less material waste in the case of machining.