WAAM
Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing
WAAM – Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing is a manufacturing technique that uses a fusion arc source to melt feed wire and deposit it to build up a 3D shape. It utilises the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process as a directed energy deposition additive manufacturing process. WAAM is relatively low cost when compared with other directed energy deposition techniques and it has a higher rate of deposition.
The other benefits of WAAM are: the capability to manufacture large components; use of a large variety of materials; can be used jointly with other manufacturing techniques to add features to a component; can be used for repairs; can combine multiple materials; and produces good mechanical properties.
WAAM manufactured components require surface finishing and heat treatment to remove residual stresses.
For information on WAAM, see:
www.bsigroup.com/siteassets/pdf/en/insights-and-media/insights/brochures/pas_6012.pdf
WHAT THE HEC?! articles are not intended to be the definitive account on the topic or acronym in question. Readers’ comments and contributions are welcomed. Email: ndtnews@bindt.org
