Material Science & Engineering World Conference 2026

Abstract

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) has emerged as a cost-effective and flexible technique for producing large-scale stainless-steel components, offering advantages such as high deposition rates, reduced material waste, and shorter production times. However, components fabricated in the as-deposited condition often exhibit microstructural heterogeneity, residual stresses, and anisotropic mechanical properties due to repeated thermal cycling and layer-by-layer deposition. These factors can compromise structural integrity and limit service performance in demanding applications. This study evaluates the mechanical properties of WAAM-fabricated 316LSi stainless steel in both as-deposited and post-solution annealed conditions, with a focus on hardness, tensile strength, and impact toughness. The results show notable improvements after heat treatment, with hardness increasing from 242 to 270 BHN, representing an 11.6% enhancement. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength rises significantly from 447 MPa to 693 MPa, while impact energy improves from 31 J to 40 J, indicating enhanced toughness and resistance to fracture. These improvements are attributed to microstructural homogenization, relief of residual stresses, and dissolution of undesirable phases during the solution annealing process, leading to a more uniform grain structure and stronger interlayer bonding. Overall, the findings confirm that post-weld heat treatment is highly effective in enhancing the mechanical performance and reliability of WAAM-produced stainless steel components, thereby increasing their suitability for critical engineering and industrial applications.