WIRE ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY OF STEELS

Metal additive manufacturing (AM), often known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the production of complex engineering components by constructing them layer by layer. This innovative process utilizes a high-energy heat source and various materials, such as powder, wire, or sheets, as feedstock. The latest review is focused on the progress made in AM, with its potential to produce steel materials of outstanding properties that cannot be matched by conventional manufacturing techniques. This is mainly attributed to the characteristic microstructural changes in the course for AM. This review indicates that many steel types could be process successfully with AM processes. The microstructure, consisting of hierarchical (sub) grains and fine precipitates formed in the process, is largely responsible for its high strength and wear resistance relative to conventional steel. However, ductility remains an issue with AM steels. Moreover, additive manufacturing is an intrinsic heat treatment process and “in situ” phase transformations such as tempering and different type of precipitations are possible when applied to a range of steel grades. In short, the review amply discusses the effects of these unique microstructure features on the properties of steels made by AM.Metal additive manufacturing (AM), often known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the production of complex engineering components by constructing them layer by layer. This innovative process utilizes a high-energy heat source and various materials, such as powder, wire, or sheets, as feedstock. The latest review is focused on the progress made in AM, with its potential to produce steel materials of outstanding properties that cannot be matched by conventional manufacturing techniques. This is mainly attributed to the characteristic microstructural changes in the course for AM. This review indicates that many steel types could be process successfully with AM processes. The microstructure, consisting of hierarchical (sub) grains and fine precipitates formed in the process, is largely responsible for its high strength and wear resistance relative to conventional steel. However, ductility remains an issue with AM steels. Moreover, additive manufacturing is an intrinsic heat treatment process and “in situ” phase transformations such as tempering and different type of precipitations are possible when applied to a range of steel grades. In short, the review amply discusses the effects of these unique microstructure features on the properties of steels made by AM.