Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition of super alloys

This research will focus on development of a new Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) facility to enable increase deposition performance of advanced metal alloys. Areas of investigation will cover the use of multiple wires to enable different material properties , thermal performance through both the use of heat and cryogenic cooling to improve material performance and modelling of the WAAM process and melt pool. In addition the research will identify appropriate testing methods for analysing material properties of the deposited parts. Such methods will include the analysis of microstructure, tensile testing and hardness testing.

The benefit of such work is simple. With the ability to produce near net shapes the ability to minimise wasted material is possible. This has potential for significant financial gains as well as an inherent environmental benefit by not wasting as much material and energy.