Abstract:
Identification of optimal tool path is critical for successful fabrication of bulk metallic parts using weld deposition-based additive manufacturing (AM). The various features of tool path, i.e., the number of starts and stops, convolutions, and continuity, have a significant effect on the geometric as well as physical properties of manufactured parts. Ideally, an optimised tool path is a continuous path with no self-intersecting pattern, with a minimum of starts and stops and minimum convoluted patterns. The tool paths available in the literature are unable to achieve all the listed requirements. Further, there are no one-to-one comparisons of these tool paths in detail in the literature. The present work aims in comparing various tool path techniques based on flatness achievable by minimum material skinned out during face milling (thickness of the deposited layer) and the hardness achieved. Experiments are performed using the in-house developed weld-based metallic AM workstation (weld deposition torch is retrofitted with a CNC).