Exploring the possibility of using the WAAM platform for 3D printing of cylindrical parts with minimal investment

Abstract

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an additive manufacturing technology for metals based on the arc welding process, which allows metal parts to be formed in layers by melting a wire electrode. The vast majority of modern studies use a robotic welding system. This study investigated the possibility of manufacturing cylindrical parts using a WAAM system based on a low-investment and simple configuration. The device implemented a combination of a rotary table and a vertical Z-axis motion module. The casting process was performed using the GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) method. Common low-carbon steel ER70S-6 was used as the wire electrode, and 100% argon was used as the shielding gas. A cylindrical part was cut out, and after grinding and polishing, a microstructural analysis was performed under a microscope. In the
microstructure, the grains are distributed in a fine isotropic form, and no defects or traces of oxidation were observed at the interlayer boundaries. This showed uniform heat distribution and the correct choice of protective environment. The results obtained prove that high-quality metal components can be created using a simple WAAM system and that this method can be an affordable solution for small-scale production and laboratories.