Influence of shielding gas on geometrical quality of WAAM technology

Abstract

Welding technology is not currently merely a technology for joining materials. With the development of additive manufacturing, welding can also be used as a technology to produce complex components. WAAM together with 3D metal printing are the basic technologies used for additive production. WAAM (Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing) technology is characterized by cladding weld passes into final shape of mechanical part. The WAAM process is characterized by several variables, among others the MIG/MAG protective gas shield effects. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of individual components of protective gases used for welding the whole structure. Especially it regards of Argon, Carbon dioxide, Oxygen and Helium according to the resulting component geometry and to the efficiency of the welding process. Thanks to the results obtained, a suitable shielding gas can be better determined by reducing the heat input to the material during welding especially reducing or eliminating content of carbon dioxide or helium.