Advance WAAM for hybrid manufacturing and additive repair purposes

Nowadays, the need for newer, more flexible, and efficient production methods is higher than ever. As a disruptive manufacturing technology, powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) systems are best suited for the fabrication of complex but small components. The limited enclosed working envelope of the powder-based AM processes, along with their low deposition rate, hinder their capabilities in the fabrication of large-scale parts. The mission of the proposed project is to realize the full potential of the state-of-the-art wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology for hybrid manufacturing and additive repair of metallic components. Owing to its significantly high deposition rate (3-8 kg/h), substantial reduction in the fabrication time, and an unlimited build envelope, WAAM technology has the potential to be one of the most significant manufacturing innovations in many industries. However, the industrial evolution and adoption of this technology are currently limited due to the current lack of a commercially available robotic WAAM platform. The proposed research program will contribute critical knowledge related to the advancement of the process in fabrication of dissimilar metal components from special grade of stainless steels.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ali Nasiri

Student:

Mehran Rafieazad

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland