Maturing CuNi and NAB Alloys for Wire Laser Additive Manufacturing

Wire based additive manufacturing has gained significant attention as a potentially significant link towards replacing castings and forgings, which is an identified area of key national need. Specifically, wire laser additive manufacturing (WLAM) has the capability to produce components significantly larger than the build envelope of laser powder-bed fusion with higher deposition rate (and lower cost), while also providing superior surface finish and dimensional control compared to arc-based AM (e.g. wire arc additive manufacturing, WAAM). MRL has demonstrated the utility of WLAM for key Naval alloys (CuNi and nickel aluminum bronze, NAB) through the production of “low-risk” components. However, broad adoption will require additional material maturity and process qualification efforts. During this Phase II, MRL will demonstrate the advancement of WLAM for both of these alloys to meet Navy requirements to replace castings and forgings.