Multi-Material Axial-Flow Impeller with Inconel 718 Laminated on SST 304 by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

This focused on the fabrication process for difficult-to-machine materials with the aim of advancing manufacturing technology using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). A multi-material axial-flow impeller with blades made of Inconel 718, a nickel-based alloy, and a hub made of SST 304, a general-purpose stainless steel, was developed using WAAM. Then, its industrial advantage was analyzed in terms of the machining time and tool usage required for fabrication. As a result of this study, it was found that for the axial-flow impeller with a tip diameter of 125.3 mm used in the study, a reduction in machining time of about 110 h and a reduction in tool usage of about 110 times could be expected.