Impact of deposition path on the microstructure and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel processed via wire arc additive manufacturing
摘要
Wire arc additive manufacturing is emerging as a promising technique for producing large-scale metallic components, offering high deposition rates and reduced material waste. However, the deposition path plays a crucial role in shaping the final microstructure and mechanical properties of the fabricated parts. This study explores the influence of different deposition strategies on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of austenitic stainless steel AWS ER 308LSi produced via wire arc additive manufacturing. Five distinct deposition paths were analyzed to assess their impact on parts morphology, microstructural features, and mechanical performance. The results indicate that while the overall phase composition remains consistent across all strategies—primarily austenite with vermicular and skeletal δ-ferrite—the secondary dendritic arm spacing varies, affecting mechanical behavior. Deposition path also influenced the geometric accuracy of the preforms, with alternating travel directions improving shape fidelity and reducing surface oxidation. Mechanical testing revealed that variations in secondary dendritic arm spacing impacted tensile strength, impact toughness, and hardness. Despite these differences, all tested conditions resulted in mechanical properties comparable to those of conventionally processed 300-series stainless steels. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing deposition strategies in wire arc additive manufacturing to achieve a balance between manufacturability and mechanical performance in industrial applications.