Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM): New Trends and Future Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition (WA-DED), commonly known as Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of additive manufacturing (AM), promising unprecedented opportunities for innovation in the production of metallic components. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest trends and future perspectives in WAAM, providing a comprehensive platform for researchers and industry professionals to contribute cutting-edge insights.

WAAM, characterized by its use of an electric arc as the heat source and a metal wire as the feedstock, offers distinct advantages such as high deposition rates, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in handling various materials. This Special Issue will delve into the recent advancements in process optimization, material development, and equipment design, addressing challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable with this additive manufacturing technique.

Authors are invited to submit contributions (full length research articles, communications, or reviews) that highlight novel applications of WAAM across diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare, thereby sharing their expertise and ultimately enriching the discourse on WAAM. This Special Issue will encompass a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from fundamental research on process parameters and microstructural evolution to practical considerations in real-world manufacturing scenarios. By bringing together diverse perspectives and the latest research findings, this Special Issue aims to chart the trajectory of WAAM's evolution and pave the way for its future integration into mainstream manufacturing processes.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Process Development: New processes, process hybridization, laser arc, plasma and multi-wire WAAM;

Advanced Process Control: Exploring intelligent algorithms and real-time monitoring systems to enhance control over WAAM processes, ensuring precise deposition and superior part quality;

Material Innovation: Investigating new alloy developments, hybrid material combinations, and the impact of microstructure on mechanical properties to expand the material repertoire for WAAM applications;

Multi-Material Printing: Examining the feasibility and challenges of multi-material printing with WAAM, opening avenues for complex, multi-functional components with diverse material requirements;

Industrial Applications: Showcasing successful case studies and practical implementations of WAAM in various industries, emphasizing efficiency gains, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Dr. Abhay Sharma
Dr. Angshuman Kapil
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Machines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)
• wire arc directed energy deposition (WA-DED)
• welding-based additive manufacturing
• laser arc
• plasma
• process optimization
• material innovation
• advanced process control
• multi-material printing
• industrial applications
• microstructural evolution
• future perspectives