WAAM-Fabricated Laminated Metal Composites

Niclas Spalek,Marcus Rutner,Jakob Brunow,Moritz Braun

doi:10.3390/met11121948

Abstract

Laminated metal composites are a promising design since the hybrid design enables superior and tailorable material properties compared with bulk material. The article introduces for the first time, laminated metal composites consisting of multiple bilayers of alternating layers of ductile and high-strength steel processed by wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The layup of the laminated metal composites is built up by alternating deposits made of ductile steel and high-strength steel type wires. Governing parameters in the fabrication process affecting the material properties, such as dilution, are discussed. Enhanced material properties of the laminated metal composites fabricated by WAAM are investigated under static tensile, impact and tension-tension high-cycle-fatigue loading and compared to the relating homogenous weld metal. Potential reasons for the retardation of crack propagation in laminated metal composites fabricated by WAAM compared to findings in roll-bonded laminated metal composites are discussed. WAAM is conducted by a collaborative robot providing a high level of flexibility in respect to geometry and scalability. Tailorability of material properties through WAAM-fabricated laminated metal composites adds an important layer of flexibility which has not been explored yet.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Tailorability of material properties through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)-fabricated laminated metal composites adds an important layer of flexibility which has not been explored yet
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Laminated metal composites (LMCs) are a promising design since the hybrid design enables superior and tailorable material properties compared with bulk material. Various methods exist to produce LMCs with single layer thicknesses in the macroscale, such as rolling and pressing, deposition and spraying.

Methods

Results

Conclusion