Evaluation of wire arc additive manufacturing for large-sized components in naval applications

By extrapolating knowledge in multipass welding and developing multiaxial robot solutions, the wire deposit in 3D or wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) can be an innovative solution to propose a credible alternative for rough cast parts with a large size and a quite complex geometry such as different components for naval application. In the framework of the Joint Laboratory of Marine Technology (JLMT), DCNS Research and Ecole Centrale de Nantes (ECN) are associated to develop especially additive manufacturing activities for large components. In this experimental study, the authors propose to investigate for two different metallic materials the conditions of the filler material deposit by the CMT (R) process and the consequences on the manufacturing time. Moreover, the in-service performance (mechanical and corrosion properties) is evaluated. In a first approach, austenitic stainless steel and copper-aluminum alloys have been evaluated.