Austenitic stainless steel (SS) is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and other industries due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, compared to traditional manufacturing methods, research on the cyclic and fatigue behavior of austenitic stainless steel parts manufactured using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology under complex multiaxial stress conditions has progressed slowly, preventing its engineering applications.
Recently, Tianjin University, in collaboration with East China University of Science and Technology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Equipment, has filled this research gap by conducting fatigue tests on WAAM 308L SS under axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional multiaxial loads. The study reveals that WAAM 308L SS exhibits significant differences in cyclic deformation, fatigue life, cracking patterns, and fatigue failure mechanisms compared to hot-rolled products, due to its unique manufacturing technology and resulting microstructure.
The research findings, titled “Multiaxial low cycle fatigue behavior and life prediction of wire arc additive manufactured 308L stainless steel,” have been published in the International Journal of Fatigue.
BLT (Bright Laser Technologies) provided samples and technical support for this research. WAAM technology offers advantages such as quick design response, large forming dimensions, high forming efficiency, high filament utilization rate, short manufacturing cycles, and low costs. BLT developed specialized process parameters based on prior research experience to successfully print the austenitic stainless steel samples required for the study, ensuring the smooth progress of the experiments.
Currently, BLT has mature experience in WAAM technology, with nearly 100 WAAM machines and systems. The largest system can form parts up to 4 meters, and the WAAM base covers an area of approximately 12,000 square meters. BLT has already helped clients in aerospace, machinery and petrol industry efficiently produce multiple parts and put into engineering applications.
BLT is committed to providing machine & system, technical consulting, and collaborative development services to scientific research users. To date, BLT have cooperated with over 330 clients in this field, often contributing to research breakthroughs. BLT will continue to focus on the scientific research field, supporting metal 3D printing studies in new processes, new materials, and cutting-edge applications.
