Control of interpass temperature and arc oscillation for improved mechanical properties and geometrical uniformity in Ti6Al4V alloy deposition using wire arc additive manufacturing

Abstract The present work proposes the control of the interpass temperature and the use of arc oscillation of Ti6Al4V (grade 5) alloy in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) depositions to predict and control mechanical properties and geometric uniformity. The results showed that by controlling the interpass temperature and using arc oscillation, satisfactory titanium depositions can be obtained without a closed chamber or the need for heat treatment. Monitoring the interpass temperature allows control of the mechanical properties and geometrical uniformity. However, no significant benefit in terms of mechanical properties or geometric uniformity was found by maintaining the interpass temperature below 120°C under the studied conditions. Using arc oscillation reduced the formation of columnar grains growing across the layers, decreasing the growth of prior-β grains in the vertical building direction. The interpass temperature control between 120°C and 400°C presented the most interesting results for the conditions studied, considering the trade-off between properties and productivity.