Investigation of the effect of torch tilt and external magnetic field on arc during overlapping deposition of wire arc additive manufacturing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find a theoretical reference to adjust the unsymmetrical arc shape and plasma flow of overlapping deposition in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and ensure the effect of the gas shielding and stable heat and mass transfer in deposition process. The multiphysical numerical simulation and physical experiment are used for validation. Design/methodology/approach In this study, welding torch tilt deposition and external parallel magnetic field-assisted deposition are presented to adjust the unsymmetrical arc shape and plasma flow of overlapping deposition, and a three-dimensional numerical model is developed to simulate the arc of torch tilt overlapping deposition and external parallel magnetic field-assisted overlapping deposition. Findings The comparison of simulated results indicate that the angle of welding torch tilt equal to 20 degrees and the magnetic flux density of external transverse magnetic field equal to 0.001 Tesla are capable of balancing the electric arc and shielding gas effectively, respectively. The arc profiles captured by a high-speed camera match well with simulated results. Originality/value These studies of this paper can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the calibration and optimization of WAAM process parameters.