Additive Manufacturing of Tungsten Heavy Alloys – A Technology Assessment of Sinter-based AM Processes

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals has undergone rapid technological development over the past 2 decades. While the beginning was strongly influenced by the development of beam-based processes, the sinter-based AM processes have gained more and more diversity and importance for more than 5 years now. This review presents the results of investigations following process developments of selected sinter-based AM processes using elemental powder mixtures to produce WHA parts. The achieved sintering densities, microstructures, purities as well as mechanical properties are compared with the minimum requirements of the current ASTM standard B777 and typical values of the conventional PM route (p/s). Manufactured demonstrators show the advantages and opportunities of the technologies. According to the current state of technical knowledge, a concluding process overview should serve as a decision-making aid for the right choice of technology for the additive manufacturing of WHA products, considering selected criteria as well as the limitations