Analysis of the wall geometry with different strategies for high deposition wire arc additive manufacturing of mild steel

Additive manufacturing has gained relevance in recent decades as an alternative to the manufacture of metal parts. Among the additive technologies, those that are classified as Directed Energy Deposition (DED) are characterized by their high deposition rate, noticeably, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). However, having the inability to produce parts with acceptable final surface quality and high geometric precision is to be considered an important disadvantage in this process. In this paper, different torch trajectory strategies (oscillatory motion and overlap) in the fabrication of low carbon steel walls will be compared using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)-based WAAM technology. The comparison is done with a study of the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the produced walls and finally, addressing the productivity obtained utilizing each strategy. The oscillation strategy shows better results, regarding the utilization rate of deposited material and the flatness of the upper surface, this being advantageous for subsequent machining steps.