Influence of Abrasive Waterjet Treatment on the Surface characteristics of WAAM 316L

Kurzfassung

Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an emerging process that is finding increasing application in the production of metallic components in the marine sector. The as-welded bead profiles, however, exhibit high surface roughness and notch-induced stress concentrations that reduce fracture strength and fatigue performance. Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) surface treatment, which uses a high-pressure water jet mixed with abrasive particles, offers a promising post-processing method to mitigate these effects. While AWJ has been studied in other manufacturing contexts, a comprehensive study of its effects specific to WAAM surfaces has yet to be investigated. In this study, the influence of Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) parameters, pressure, traverse speed, standoff distance and nozzle angle, on WAAM produced 316L surfaces is systematically investigated. Surface topography is evaluated in terms of roughness, waviness, and material removal by quantitatively comparing the as-welded and TCP-aligned treated surfaces using structured light profilometry. Additional analyses are planned to determine the impact of AWJ treatment on microstructure, surface hardness, and residual stress by means of X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results indicate that AWJ treatment significantly modifies the surface topography, influencing both material removal and surface roughness. The process leads to a smoothing and homogenization of characteristic WAAM surface features, pronounced geometrical irregularities and overall waviness. The observed trends demonstrate that key process parameters govern the balance between material removal and surface refinement. Overall, these improvements highlight the potential of AWJ treatment to enhance fatigue resistance and extend the service life of welded and additively manufactured structures, particularly in demanding maritime applications.