JOURNAL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND PERFORMANCE, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a specialized form of metal additive manufacturing that utilizes automated welding techniques. In essence, the process relies on electric arc energy to incrementally deposit layers of molten metal, thereby constructing medium to large-scale metallic structures. This approach effectively merges traditional welding technology with modern automation to enable the efficient production of sizable metal components. During WAAM part production, thermal stresses form because of uneven heating and cooling. These stresses cause angular and bending distortions. Residual stress and distortion adversely affect the serviceability of the workpiece. In this investigation, the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process was employed, utilizing EN ISO 14341-A:G 38 2 C1 Z 3Si1 solid wire with EN 10250-2:S235JRG2 mild steel substrates. The primary objective was to systematically evaluate how different welding parameters impact the angular distortion present in the resulting WAAM components. Wire feed rate and arc voltage increased the distortion. The distortion decreased with the welding speed. Optimization of primary welding parameters for minimum angular distortion was achieved by Taguchi method. This study addresses a gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive approach focused on angular distortion control in wire arc additive manufacturing. Supported by experiments and optimized using the Taguchi method, it sheds light on the impact of parameters on distortion. The analysis enhances existing knowledge and guides future research endeavors.