COLRAD WAAM

Wear behaviour of 3D Printed Titaniumt

In a recent project, I explored the potential of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) of titanium, focusing on understanding and enhancing its wear behavior through scratch testing. WAAM is increasingly recognized for its ability to create large-scale titanium components efficiently, yet advancing metal-based wire-arc directed energy deposition (WDED) remains challenging due to limited knowledge about microstructure evolution and its effects on mechanical properties. This project specifically investigated the layer-wise plastic response and bulk tensile behavior, providing valuable insights into how each deposited layer’s microstructure influences wear resistance and overall durability—key factors for optimizing titanium in high-performance applications.

Accomplishments

Learned to operate a scratch test machine and developed proficiency in running controlled wear tests.
Analyzed microstructural evolution in titanium layers produced through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).
Investigated correlations between microstructure development, plastic deformation, and tensile behavior in additive-manufactured titanium.
Collaborated cross-functionally with multiple PhD students and researchers, integrating insights from materials science and mechanical engineering.
Documented findings to support further research and development in WAAM techniques and titanium-based additive manufacturing applications.