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Thermal Process Monitoring for Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing Using IR Cameras...

by William G Carter, Christopher J Masuo, Andrzej Nycz, Mark W Noakes, Derek M Vaughan
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Journal Name
Solid Freeform Fabrication Proceedings
Book Title
Solid Freeform Fabrication 2019: Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium – An Additive Manufacturing Conference
Publication Date
Page Numbers
1812 to 1817
Conference Name
Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium 2019 (SFF Symposium 2019)
Conference Location
Austin, Texas, United States of America
Conference Sponsor
TMS
Conference Date
-

Wire-arc additive manufacturing systems use robotic MIG welders to build parts using welding wire. As a part is built the temperature rises as energy is input and the thermal mass increases. While some pre-heat is ideal for welding, improper thermal management can lead to defects and negatively affect material properties. Thermal imaging allows for non-contact thermal monitoring and can be used to track thermal gradients as well as layer temperatures before and after deposition providing a method to ensure proper thermal management. A typical IR camera setup on an mBAAM system is discussed along with methods to use thermal monitoring to improve material properties and reduce defects in the final part.