Fabrication of multilayer thin wall by WAAM technique and investigation of its microstructure and mechanical properties

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) has become a revolutionary technique in the field of manufacturing. This technique has received attention in the past decade due to the high deposition rate and low cost associated with this process when compared to other additive manufacturing techniques. In this study, Mild Steel wire of a diameter 0.8 mm was selected for the deposition over a mild steel substrate using GMAW technique. A multilayer thin wall was fabricated and its microstructural and mechanical properties were investigated. The optical microscope was used to investigate the microstructure as well as defects like pores and cracks. Surface defects were examined using Dye Penetrant test. No cracks and pores were observed on the surface of the deposit. Also, the Vickers hardness was used to measure the microhardness of the deposit. The average microhardness values of the bottom and top layer were found to be 182 and 190 HV respectively.