Effect of “ColdArc” WAAM Regime and Arc Torch Weaving on Microstructure and Properties of As-Built and Subtransus Quenched Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract

Defect-free thin-walled samples were built using wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) combined with the “coldArc” deposition technique by feeding a Ti-6Al-4V welding wire and using two deposition strategies, namely with and without the welding torch weaving. The microstructures formed in these samples were examined in relation to mechanical characteristics. The arc torch weaving at 1 Hz allowed us to interfere with the epitaxial growth of the β-Ti columnar grains and, thus, obtain them a lower aspect ratio. Upon cooling, the α/α′+β structure was formed inside the former β-Ti grains, and this structure proved to be more uniform as compared to that of the samples built without the weaving. The subtransus quenching of the samples in water did not have any effect on the structure and properties of samples built with the arc torch weaving, whereas a more uniform grain structure was formed in the sample built without weaving. Quenching resulted also in a reduction in the relative elongation by 30% in both cases.