Research Progress on Trajectory Planning and Forming Performance of Arc Additive Manufacturing

Wire arc additive manufacturing is an efficient and rapid near-net-shape manufacturing technology. With its significant advantages of low cost and high flexibility, it has become a hot research direction and preferred solution for the manufacturing of medium and large-scale metal components. The research progress of the technology in forming trajectory and process planning in recent years were reviewed. 3D model slicing methods, 2D contour path planning methods with different geometric features, special path planning strategies for typical structures, and optimization and control strategies of forming process parameters were reviewed. The process methods to improve the surface quality and forming accuracy by optimizing path overlapping and adjusting interlayer cooling time were introduced, as well as the support-free printing strategy for inclined structures. Finally, the current research progress was summarized. The research direction on improving the intelligence level of equipment and process control was pointed out.