Application of Additive Plasma Transferred Arc Surfacing for 3D Printing of Large-Scale Metal Products and Structures for Aerospace Applications (Review) Application of Additive Plasma Transferred Arc Surfacing for 3D Printing of Overall Size Metal Prod

Abstract

The growing importance of 3D printing of finished metal products in recent years stems from its potential to reduce material costs in manufacturing and machining, facilitate changes in part size and product range, and enable the production of solid parts with complex internal geometries. Additive plasma transferred arc surfacing (APTAS) using wire and powder materials is a promising 3D printing process that combines the productivity of arc surfacing processes with the forming accuracy approaching that of beam-based processes. Therefore, this work analyzes the current state of scientific research on the additive manufacturing of metal parts from steels and alloys, including the fabrication of aerospace structures. It also identifies promising directions for the further development of this manufacturing approach and explores the design of innovative plasma and microplasma equipment for the technological implementation of these identified prospects.