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What is PAS 6012:2020 about?
This is the third of three PASs written to increase the understanding and confident use of directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM): a type of industrial 3D printing in metal. PAS 6012:2020 is a guide to Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), a DED AM manufacturing technology that’s broadening the applicability of AM.
Who is PAS 6012:2020 for?
- WAAM machine developers
- Process parameter developers
- Potential end-user of WAAM technology, usually in high-value manufacturing
Why should you use PAS 6012:2020?
Wire-fed arc directed energy deposition – more commonly known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) – is a directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing technology. Using electrical arc as a fusion source to melt wire feedstock, metallic end-use parts of medium-to-large build volume and low-to-moderate levels of complexity can be cost-efficiently produced.
This is due to the low cost of wire relative to metal powder for powder-based AM for many materials; low capital expenditure; and a high deposition rate achievable within a flexible build envelope.
Moreover, by lowering barriers to entry, the non-tangible benefits of AM and DED such as localized, responsive manufacture and improved part functionality, including design or materials properties, may be accessible to cost-sensitive manufacturers for the first time.
Yet despite the growing interest and application, there’s limited information to aid prospective users in effective implementation of WAAM. This PAS is intended to remedy that through providing practical guidance that enables potential users to embrace the technical and economic opportunities associated with WAAM, and help them evaluate the suitability of adopting WAAM for a given application.
PAS 6012:2020 therefore supplies an overview of WAAM process characteristics, benefits and limitations relative to other DED and conventional processing routes. It also covers:
- The general architecture and sub-systems that constitute a WAAM machine and their effect on WAAM capability
- Key process parameters and their influence on the WAAM process
- Considerations for effective WAAM path-planning, monitoring and control, and post- processing
- Terminology relevant to WAAM
NOTE: This PAS does not cover other additive manufacturing processes, process qualification or quality assurance, nor does it provide guidance for a specific user application or material. It does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.