| Abstract Scope |
This paper evaluates the process repeatability of robotic wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), where components are printed using a WAAM cell which includes a KUKA KR 50 R2500 with a Fronius TPS 4000 welder. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is implemented to enable layer-by-layer deposition of the ER4943 aluminum wire. In this study, a single geometry is printed five times using the same part plan, weld settings, and wire. The repeatability of the geometry and the mechanical properties are then evaluated. For geometry, each component is measured using structured light scanning and the 3D models are compared. For mechanical properties, tensile specimens are extracted using wire electrical discharge machining following the ASTM E8 subsize tensile specimen standard. The specimens are extracted with multiple orientations relative to the print direction. These directional orientations include the print direction, perpendicular to the print direction, and at a 45° angle to the print direction. Tensile testing is then performed to determine the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Experimental results are provided, and comparisons are drawn. |