Mechanical testing and microstructural analysis of wire arc additively manufactured steels

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a metal 3D printing method that allows the cost-effective and efficient production of large-scale elements, has thus gained great interest from architects structural engineers. Integration this novel technology into construction industry, however, requires development clear understanding mechanical behaviour WAAM materials. To end, comprehensive experimental study properties microstructure plates made normal- high-strength steels been undertaken reported herein. A total 137 as-built machined tensile coupons were tested, extracted in various directions relative to print layer orientation two nominal thicknesses, built using different deposition strategies. The influence geometric undulations inherent process strategy on resulting was investigated. Microstructural characterisation also performed by means optical microscopy (OM) electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). normal-strength steel exhibited principally ferritic-pearlitic microstructure, while displayed mixed featuring ferrite, bainite martensite. EBSD analysis revealed weak crystallographic texture, which explained observed being almost isotropic. No significant differences with strategies, except for some variation ductility. resulted reduction effective degree anisotropy. Overall, examined material consistent properties, Young’s modulus comparable conventionally-produced plates, marginally lower strength, reflecting slower cooling conditions than customary, good