TIG assisted surface finish enhancement in MIG-based wire arc additive manufacturing

Abstract

TIG arc treatment was explored to enhance the surface finish of wire arc additive manufactured (WAAM) parts, addressing issues of waviness and roughness. It offers precise control over input parameters providing an economical solution for selective thermal surface treatment. This study investigates the influence of peak current on surface finish and associated impact on hardness. A hybrid MIG-TIG process was employed which minimised the waviness efficiently, however resulted in low hardness, requiring further treatment to restore hardness. This approach reduced surface roughness by ∼ 40 %, offering efficient and cost-effective selective treatment, with the potential to improve surface quality and mechanical properties. © 2024 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)