T7 – Collaborative Research Centre 871: Regeneration of Complex Capital Goods

T7 - Control of the microstructure of Grade 5 titanium by adding seed particles and flux while controlling the cooling rate in wire-and-arc additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing processes offer great potential for reducing the manufacturing costs of complex titanium components through increased resource efficiency. Wire-and-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is particularly suitable for medium to large components, but due to the high unilateral heat input, it exhibits an undesirable dendritic microstructure with anisotropic mechanical properties. Through the targeted use of inoculants and fluxes, this microstructure can be transformed into an equiaxial, more isotropic structure.

Motivation

Previous methods for adding inoculants and fluxes, such as pastes or sprays, interrupt the process and thus reduce its cost-effectiveness. In order to fully exploit the advantages of microstructure modification, the transfer project aims to implement process-integrated addition via protective gas doping for the first time. The goal is to work with industry partners to produce WAAM components made of titanium with isotropic mechanical properties and a strength level above that of forged titanium parts.

Project Partners

EWM Hightec Welding GmbH

Responsible Institute

The project is managed by the Institute of Materials Science .