Experimental investigations of TIG welding based additive manufacturing process for improved geometrical and mechanical properties

The welding based additive manufacturing process has a potential for producing functional 3D metallic component in a cost effective manner. Out of many welding based alternatives available TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) based additive manufacturing process is one of the efficient processes. This article aims at developing TIG welding based additive manufacturing process for producing metallic parts with improved geometrical and mechanical properties. In this work authors have identified a process parameter condition by which components with good geometrical properties can be produced. The work reports least bead width deposited, for 1.2 mm filler wire, using wire arc based additive manufacturing system. The study performed on residual stress analysis of the deposited material showed compressive residual stresses throughout the sample. Usually welding process produces tensile stresses in the specimen which may reduce the product life. The compressive stresses reported in this study are considered good as they tend to increase product life. Authors have also addressed the reason for this unusual but favourable behaviour. This work would also help to develop automated TIG welding based metal deposition system to produce thin walled structures with improved mechanical and geometrical properties.