Comparative Study on the Microstructure Evaluation of Al-Mg (Er5356) Aluminum Alloy for Aircraft Wing Stiffener Fabricated By Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Wire +Arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a type of additive manufacturing process in which layer upon layer is added to form a closely welded component. In this study, Gas Metal Arc Welding - Pulse (GMAW-P) and Gas Metal Arc Welding - Double Pulse (GMAW-DP) methods were used to manufacture the components with 5356 Aluminum alloy. Microstructures of the GMAW-P and GMAW-DP were observed and compared, the results show that the bead formation, Structure, formability and continuity appeared to be better on the GMAW-DP welding when compared to GMAW-P. The pore formations were found in larger numbers in GMAW-P than GMAW-DP. Due to the presence of a larger number of pores in GMAW-P, it is weaker than GMAW-DP.