Comparison of measurements realized on computed tomograph and optical scanners for elements manufactured by wire arc additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive techniques become more and more common in manufacturing processes. Among metallic materials an interesting technique for depositing metallic layers is the use of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing process, where 3D metallic structures are created using welding technologies, i.e. Gas Metal Arc Welding. In the paper an analysis of measurement devices for surfaces after that kind of manufacturing was presented. A computer tomograph as well as two types of scanners were used, respectively with a high and low resolution. For dimensional measurements the results showed that a CT is a good option, enabling to properly represent the real work piece. The results obtained with a high resolution scanner were usually pretty close, except for few cases. On the other hand, a low resolution scanner due to a large distance between points was not able to show good dimensions. Pores in structures were also inspected. The biggest problems with pores occurred where path of a robotic arm was the most complicated.