Wire arc additive manufacturing: approaches and future prospects

Abstract

Abstract Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is one among the seven important categories of additive manufacturing processes documented under the direct energy deposition category by American Society for Testing of Materials. The unique capability of producing large components in local/open atmosphere using an electric arc as heat source and metal wires as feed stock available in a wide range is making this process more economical and popular for extensive applications. This chapter encompasses the various technological variants of WAAM and the materials being used for particular applications. It includes imperative processing parameters corresponding to deposition rates, metallurgical aspects, and in-situ properties of the deposited components. It explains the phenomenon behind generation of defects, challenges, and significance of postprocessing deployed in WAAM. This chapter concludes with future forecast and probable applications of similar processes.