In this work, an alternative approach to prevent unidirectional grain growth in wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is proposed and assessed, by moving cyclically the torch forward and backward, likewise the welding technique known as switchback. A series of tests were planned with CMT (cold metal transfer) process to compare three wall-like build-ups, which uses different deposition patterns, namely, in one-way direction, reverse direction, and switchback. The same equivalent travel speed and number of deposited layers were kept among them. Longitudinal sections were taken to identify the grain growth behaviour. Finally, samples were removed from the walls for porosity evaluation. The results confirmed the characteristics of unidirectional grain growth, when one-way direction condition was employed, and the break of growth direction between layers, when reverse direction was used, yet a zigzag pattern became present. Differently, the application of switchback showed no preferential or unidirectional grain growth, suggesting less anisotropy of mechanical properties. In addition, switchback reduced porosity.

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a novel process with high industrial application. However, there are still some limitations, such as anisotropy of mechanical properties, which delays a wide implementation of WAAM. Moreover, as long as WAAM is a new technology, its operational envelope is not utterly known. The first objective of this work was to assess solutions to mitigate unidirectional grain growth in WAAM of aluminium, that leads to anisotropy of the mechanical properties of the printed part. In the scope of this objective, two methodological approaches were employed. The first approach used the switchback welding technique in comparison with a reference (the conventional unidirectional deposition) and also a traditional method for reduce unidirectional growth (bidirectional deposition). The second one used nanoparticles inoculation in the deposited metal. Both approaches showed ability to mitigate epitaxial growth of big columnar grains and to refine microstructure, however switchback technique show to be easier to implement. The second objective of this work was to find an operational envelope of the process, i.e., a range of travel speeds for a given deposition rate and for a given ratio deposition rate/travel speed. This study showed there are a range of pool volume during the deposition that must be respected to reach sound printed walls.