Semi-automatic 3D Metal Deposition Machine Based on Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)

Abstract

There are several methods of additive manufacturing that can produce 3D object. One of the methods, particularly for metal, is wire arc additive manufacturing or a 3D welding. The paper is meant to present the concept of a semi- automatic reconfigurable 3D welding machine-based wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) developed at the Metal Forming Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering USM. The discussion is focus on the identification of parts and their purpose, design for assembly mentality, CAD modeling, and fabrication stage. In the paper, preliminary observation of the machine operation is also included. The machine allows for parameters variation including welding machine parameters such voltage and current and deposition parameters such feed rate, welding speed, welding orientation and direction. Outcome from experiment, the physical appearance of the deposited metal such as height and width of the welding bead can be measured. As a conclusion, a semi-automatic or automatic 3D welding machine have been successfully developed and shows the capability to produce a better product and productivity of the 3D part.