Abstract
Three dimensional micro welding (3DMW) of a novel freeform fabrication process for metal or alloy components has been developed in our investigation group. A tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding machine is controlled by utilizing CAD/CAM processes. Various types of metal or alloy wires are fed automatically under a micro-arc torch to form tiny metallic beads. These micrometer order beads are joined continuously to build three dimensional structures. Near-net-shape components of metal or alloy compounds with high melting points can be fabricated automatically with minimized energy and resources. In this study, tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) and stainless steel (SUS304) micro beads of 1.0 mm in diameter were stacked alternately to fabricate cutting tools with graded structures by using the 3DMW. The microstructure and hardness were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectra (EDS) and Vickers hardness tester. The maximum hardness of micro bead was approximately 1300 HV and no crack or pore existed in the formed objects.
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