Review on Regualtion Means in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum alloy possesses extensive applications, and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) has emerged as a rapid method for producing large structural parts, leading to significant advancements in aluminum alloy wire arc additive manufacturing technology. However, the utilization of WAAM for manufacturing aluminum alloy parts often results in various defects, hampering the attainment of desired forming quality for practical applications. Consequently, diverse strategies are frequently employed to regulate and control both the forming process and microstructural properties of aluminum alloy produced via wire arc additive manufacturing. This study presents a comprehensive review of research conducted over the past decade on wire arc additive manufacturing of aluminum alloy, including process methodologies, advantages, disadvantages, the number of high-level scholarly publications, citation frequency, and engineering applications. The primary issues encountered in WAAM aluminum alloy production, along with their underlying formation mechanisms, are described and analyzed. Furthermore, domestic and foreign control methods addressing these challenges are reviewed from three perspectives: process optimization, heat treatment, and hybrid wire arc additive manufacturing technologies. The strengths and limitations of each regulation mean are emphasized, and prospective avenues for future research are outlined.