Open Access
Effect of the heat input on wire-arc additive manufacturing of invar 36 alloy: microstructure and mechanical properties
(Springer, 2022) Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Artaza, Teresa; Aldalur, Eider; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Invar, also known as FeNi36, is a material of great interest due to its unique properties, which makes it an excellent alternative for sectors such as tooling in aeronautics and aerospace. Its manufacture by means of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology could extend its use. This paper aims to evaluate the comparison of two of the most widespread WAAM technologies: plasma arc welding (PAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This comparison is based on the analysis of wall geometry, metallography, and mechanical properties of the material produced by both technologies. The results show a slight increase in toughness and elongation before fracture and worse tensile strength data in the case of PAW, with average values of 485 MPa for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 31% for elongation and 475 MPa, 40% in GMAW and PAW, respectively. All results gathered from the analysis show the possibility of successful manufacturing of Invar by means of WAAM technologies. The novelties presented in this paper allow us to establish relationships between the thermal input of the process itself and the mechanical and metallographic properties of the material produced.
Open Access
Validation of the mechanical behavior of an aeronautical fixing turret produced by a design for additive manufacturing (DfAM)
(MDPI, 2022) Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Bhujangrao, Trunal; Suárez, Alfredo; Aldalur, Eider; Goenaga, Igor; Gil Hernández, Daniel; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The design of parts in such critical sectors as the manufacturing of aeronautical parts is awaiting a paradigm shift due to the introduction of additive manufacturing technologies. The manufacture of parts designed by means of the design-oriented additive manufacturing methodology (DfAM) has acquired great relevance in recent years. One of the major gaps in the application of these technologies is the lack of studies on the mechanical behavior of parts manufactured using this methodology. This paper focuses on the manufacture of a turret for the clamping of parts for the aeronautical industry. The design of the lightened turret by means of geometry optimization, the manufacture of the turret in polylactic acid (PLA) and 5XXX series aluminum alloy by means of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology and the analysis by means of finite element analysis (FEA) with its validation by means of a tensile test are presented. The behavior of the part manufactured with both materials is compared. The conclusion allows to establish which are the limitations of the part manufactured in PLA for its orientation to the final application, whose advantages are its lower weight and cost. This paper is novel as it presents a holistic view that covers the process in an integrated way from the design and manufacture to the behaviour of the component in use.
Open Access
Wire arc additive manufacturing Ti6Al4V aeronautical parts using plasma arc welding: Analysis of heat-treatment processes in different atmospheres
(Elsevier, 2020-11-20) Artaza, Teresa; Suárez, Alfredo; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Braceras, Íñigo; Tabernero, Iván; Larrañaga, Oihane; Lamikiz, Aitzol; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
PAW (Plasma Arc Welding), a WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) technology with high deposition rates, can produce metallic components, layer by layer, of varied sizes, from different alloys, yielding high mechanical performance. Two Ti6Al4V walls are manufactured in an inert argon atmosphere using WAAM-PAW to analyze the deposition process in terms of growth in height per layer, deposition process temperature, and cooling times. The properties of the walls are compared with the values obtained from a thermo-mechanical simulation and both the microstructural and mechanical properties of the annealed WAAM-PAW wall are studied. Moreover, the effect of the media on the oxidation layer and on the mechanical properties are also analyzed throughout the heat treatment process, as well as the microstructure of Ti6Al4V. Stable deposition rates were achieved for a high deposition ratio of Ti6Al4V at 2 kg/h, restricting the oxygen levels to under 100 ppm. No significant differences were found in either the microstructural or the mechanical properties following heat treatments in a vacuum, in air or in argon. All the heat-treated samples met the AMS4928 standard for Yield Strength (YS) and Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS).
Open Access
Automatic trajectory determination in automated robotic welding considering weld joint symmetry
(MDPI, 2023) Curiel Braco, David; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Aldalur, Eider; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The field of inspection for welded structures is currently in a state of rapid transformation driven by a convergence of global technological, regulatory, and economic factors. This evolution is propelled by several key drivers, including the introduction of novel materials and welding processes, continuous advancements in inspection technologies, innovative approaches to weld acceptance code philosophy and certification procedures, growing demands for cost-effectiveness and production quality, and the imperative to extend the lifespan of aging structures. Foremost among the challenges faced by producers today is the imperative to meet customer demands, which entails addressing both their explicit and implicit needs. Furthermore, the integration of emerging materials and technologies necessitates the exploration of fresh solutions. These solutions aim to enhance inspection process efficiency while providing precise quantitative insights into defect identification and location. To this end, our project proposes cutting-edge technologies, some of which have yet to gain approval within the sector. Noteworthy among these innovations is the integration of vision systems into welding robots, among other solutions. This paper introduces a groundbreaking algorithm for tool path selection, leveraging profile scanning and the concept of joint symmetry. The application of symmetry principles for trajectory determination represents a pioneering approach within this expansive field.
Open Access
Weld joint reconstruction and classification algorithm for trajectory generation in robotic welding
(Trans Tech Publications, 2023) Curiel Braco, David; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Aldalur, Eider; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Open Access
Novel sensorized additive manufacturing-based enlighted tooling concepts for aeronautical parts
(Springer Nature, 2024-07-31) Uralde Jiménez, Virginia; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; López, Alberto; Goenaga, Igor; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This paper presents lightweight tooling concepts based on additive manufacturing, with the aim of developing advanced tooling systems as well as installing sensors for real-time monitoring and control during the anchoring and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. Leveraging additive manufacturing techniques in the production of tooling yields benefits in manufacturing flexibility and material usage. These concepts transform traditional tooling systems into active, intelligent tools, improving the manufacturing process and part quality. Integrated sensors measure variables such as displacement, humidity and temperature allowing data analysis and correlation with process quality variables such as accuracy errors, tolerances achieved and surface finish. In addition to sensor integration, additive manufacturing by directed energy arc and wire deposition (DED-arc) has been selected for part manufacturing. The research includes the mechanical characterisation of the material and the microstructure of the material once manufactured by DED-arc. Design for additive manufacturing" principles guide the design process to effectively exploit the capabilities of DED-arc. These turrets, equipped with sensors, allow real-time monitoring and control of turret deformation during clamping and manufacturing of aeronautical parts. As a first step, deformation monitoring is carried out within the defined tolerance of ± 0.15, which allows a control point to be established in the turret. Future analysis of the sensor data will allow correlations with process quality variables to be established. Remarkably, the optimised version of the turret after applying DED technology weighed only 2.2 kg, significantly lighter than the original 6 kg version. Additive manufacturing and the use of lightweight structures for fixture fabrication, followed by the addition of sensors, provide valuable information and control, improving process efficiency and part quality. This research contributes to the development of intelligent and efficient tool systems for aeronautical applications.
Open Access
Corrosion behavior of additively manufactured steels: a comprehensive review
(Wiley, 2025-03-21) Villabona Gorri, Eneko; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Rivero Fuente, Pedro J.; Uralde Jiménez, Virginia; Suárez, Alfredo; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute for Advanced Materials and Mathematics - INAMAT2; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming the production of steel components, offering unique advantages such as design freedom and the ability to create complex geometries. This review examines the corrosion behavior of various steel types, including austenitic stainless steels (SS), martensitic SS, duplex SS, low-alloy steels, and maraging steels, produced through AM technologies. In addition, the topic of material hybridization through AM is addressed, which allows for the optimization of the properties of the base materials. While AM often generates finer grain structures, particularly in SS, which enhances corrosion resistance, it can also lead to undesirable phases, precipitates, or defects like porosity that degrade performance. Controlling AM process parameters is crucial to achieving the desired microstructure and optimizing corrosion resistance. The review highlights current knowledge, identifies challenges, and underscores the importance of standardized testing methodologies to enable better cross-study comparisons and guide future advancements in corrosion-resistant AM steels.
Open Access
High deposition wire arc additive manufacturing of mild steel: strategies and heat input effect on microstructure and mechanical properties
(Elsevier, 2020-09-02) Aldalur, Eider; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Bilbao, Jon; Lamikiz, Aitzol; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a layer-by-layer production concept that is proposed as a promising alternative to traditional subtractive techniques due to its potential to manufacture large metallic components of medium geometrical complexity. In recent years, this technology has created interest due to the advantages it proposes, such as a low cost and high deposition rates in comparison with other Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques. In this study, the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)-based WAAM system was developed to deposit mild steel material. To that end, a comprehensive methodology to understand the main process variables and their influence in the final component properties is shown. The aim of the present study was to compare the influence of oscillatory and overlapping deposition strategies in terms of productivity, growth per layer, obtained microstructure and mechanical properties using the control volume concept to compare volume-dependent parameters. Although some characteristics of these strategies have been documented in literature, the heat input influence has not yet been comprehensively demonstrated and understood. For example, heat input, analyzed deeply in the present study, is a critical factor for the stability of the WAAM process, influencing the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of as-fabricated parts. The results indicate that the oscillated strategy increases productivity.
Open Access
Advancements and methodologies in directed energy deposition (DED-Arc) manufacturing: design strategies, material hybridization, process optimization and artificial intelligence
(IntechOpen, 2024-09-27) Uralde Jiménez, Virginia; Suárez, Alfredo; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Ballesteros Egüés, Tomás; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This chapter explores the latest advancements and methodologies in directed energy deposition (DED-arc) manufacturing. The introduction sets the stage for understanding the significance of these developments in the context of modern manufacturing needs. The discussion includes design strategies for DED-arc, emphasizing topological optimization, functional design, and generative design, alongside the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing design processes. Innovative approaches to material hybridization are detailed, focusing on both multilayer and in situ techniques for combining different materials to optimize component performance. The paper also covers slicing and pathing, examining slicing strategies, the use of lattice structures, and the implementation of 2D and 3D patterns to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality. The conclusion summarizes key findings, discusses their implications for the additive manufacturing industry, and suggests potential future research directions in DED-arc technology, highlighting the emerging trends and innovations that are shaping the field.
Open Access
Methodology for the path definition in multi-layer gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
(MDPI, 2023) Curiel Braco, David; Veiga Suárez, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Villanueva Roldán, Pedro; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
The reconstruction of the geometry of weld-deposited materials plays an important role in the control of the torch path in GMAW. This technique, which is classified as a direct energy deposition technology, is experiencing a new emergence due to its use in welding and additive manufacturing. Usually, the torch path is determined by computerised fabrication tools, but these software tools do not consider the geometrical changes along the case during the process. The aim of this work is to adaptively define the trajectories between layers by analysing the geometry and symmetry of previously deposited layers. The novelty of this work is the integration of a profiling laser coupled to the production system, which scans the deposited layers. Once the layer is scanned, the geometry of the deposited bead can be reconstructed and the symmetry in the geometry and a continuous trajectory can be determined. A wall was fabricated under demanding deposition conditions, and a surface quality of around 100 microns and mechanical properties in line with those previously reported in the literature are observed.