Effects of synchronized magnetic arc oscillation on microstructure, texture, grain boundary and mechanical properties of wire arc additively manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy

In this study, microstructure and mechanical properties of wire arc additively manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy with/without magnetic arc oscillation were investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and standard tensile testing. The results show that for Ti6Al4V thin-wall components fabricated in current work, the addition of synchronized magnetic arc oscillation, including both arc oscillation and arc rotation, leads to a refinement of lamellar α width, modification of texture orientation, and then increases in low angle grain boundaries. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties (yield strength and ultimate tensile strength) of the deposition with magnetic arc oscillation are improved. The findings reveal that the arc oscillation routes can be used in wire arc additive manufacturing to create a stirring effect in deposition, which is beneficial to improvement of material properties.