Possibilities of manufacturing spatial elements using the 135 hardfacing method

Abstract

3D printing with thermoplastic materials is slowly becoming commonplace as additive manufacturing has gained a large number of dedicated users over the past few years, and the prices of the requisite equipment have significantly dropped. However, in terms of materials, only plastics have enjoyed this popularity. Although metals are, in a sense, thermoplastic materials, their spatial application would require very advanced setups, which in turn generates high costs and complicates process control. This article discusses the possibilities of the additive manufacturing of metal elements using a three-axis numerically controlled plotter combined with a semi-automatic welding machine using the 135 method. The authors also examined the impact of sudden changes in velocity vectors on geometric deviations.