Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) has emerged as a promising metal additive manufacturing technology due to its high deposition rates, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for large-scale structural components. This review discusses the main research trends, process parameters, microstructural evolution, defect formation mechanisms, and mechanical performance associated with WAAM-fabricated components. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence of key processing parameters-current, voltage, travel speed, and wire feed rate-on heat input, bead geometry, melt pool stability, and resulting microstructure. The mechanics of bead formation and deposition geometry are analyzed in terms of thermal-fluid interactions and mass conservation principles, highlighting their impact on layer uniformity and structural integrity. Persistent technical challenges are examined, including porosity, lack of fusion, residual stresses, geometric distortion, and anisotropy in mechanical properties resulting from the layer-by-layer thermal cycling. The review further addresses the complexity of multi-material deposition, where thermal mismatch and intermetallic phase formation represent significant barriers to reliable structural integration. Emerging research directions are discussed, including advanced wire development, functionally graded materials, real-time process monitoring, predictive thermo-metallurgical modeling, robotic motion optimization, and process standardization. The need for harmonized qualification protocols and robust databases is emphasized as a critical step toward large-scale industrial adoption, particularly in aerospace, naval, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors (Figure 1).
Figure 1:Graphical abstract illustrating key aspects, technical challenges, and future research directions.
Researchers have continuously sought to improve traditional
manufacturing methods in order to develop approaches that are
more efficient in terms of capital investment, material utilization,
and production time [1-10]. In this context, Additive Manufacturing
(AM) has consolidated in recent years as a promising alternative
for the production of three-dimensional components and rapid
prototyping applications [11-15]. The term Additive Manufacturing
was officially standardized by international standardization bodies
to replace previously used designations such as rapid prototyping,
rapid manufacturing, and freeform fabrication. According to ISO/
ASTM 52900 [16], additive manufacturing is defined as the process
of joining materials to fabricate objects from three-dimensional
model data, usually through layer-by-layer deposition, in contrast
to subtractive or formative methodologies.
Thus, this technology is based on a digital data workflow that
guides the successive deposition of material in layers, enabling
the construction of fully dense three-dimensional geometries [17-
19]. Additive manufacturing offers significant advantages related
to reduced production time and more efficient raw material
usage, since material is added in a controlled and digitally driven
manner [20]. This approach minimizes the need for conventional
tooling, such as cutting tools, dies, fixtures, and complex machining
operations. Furthermore, substantial reductions in production
costs-particularly for low-volume batches-as well as shorter
production cycle times have been reported [21-24]. In addition,
there are publications addressing the fabrication of cutting tools for
machining produced by additive manufacturing, as demonstrated
by Wang, Li & Lu [25].
Another relevant aspect of AM is the possibility of functional
consolidation of parts, reducing the number of individual
components required in a final system. This feature contributes to
the simplification of production steps and a reduction in assembly
operations [26-31]. At the same time, material utilization efficiency
tends to be higher than in conventional processes such as casting
and forging [32]. When compared to subtractive methods, such
as CNC machining, additive manufacturing presents advantages
associated with improved structural integrity, enhanced mechanical
performance, and the feasibility of designs with high geometric
complexity. Owing to these benefits, AM is frequently associated
with technological advances characteristic of the so-called Fourth
Industrial Revolution [33,34] and is recognized as one of the leading
emerging technologies for the production of high-performance
components.
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a metal additive
manufacturing technology based on the deposition of wire
feedstock melted by an electric arc, characterized by the fabrication
of three-dimensional components from a digital model through
the successive deposition of molten metal layers. From a technical
classification perspective, WAAM belongs to the Directed Energy
Deposition (DED) category, in which the energy source for melting is
an electric arc and the feedstock material is a continuously supplied
metallic wire [35-40]. Currently, components produced by additive
manufacturing-particularly by WAAM-have been increasingly
applied in demanding industrial sectors, including the automotive,
aerospace, naval, oil and gas, energy, and biomedical industries. In
these fields, the technology is used both for the fabrication of new
structural components and for the repair and refurbishment of
high-value parts [41-51].
From a materials standpoint, WAAM exhibits high versatility
and is widely used for the deposition of structural and highstrength
steels [52-55], stainless steels [56-59], aluminum alloys,
bimetallic materials [60-63], titanium alloys, and nickel-based
superalloys [64-66], among others. This material diversity enables
its application in components subjected to severe mechanical
loading conditions, significant thermal variations, and corrosive
environments, thereby expanding the potential of the technology
for the production of complex and large-scale structures.
Contextualization of additive manufacturing
The development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) dates back to
the 1980s, when the first rapid prototyping technologies emerged
with the objective of accelerating product development cycles.
Since then, this class of processes has evolved rapidly, transitioning
from prototyping tools to fully integrated industrial manufacturing
solutions applicable to a wide range of materials-including
polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites-and industrial sectors
such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics.
Among the main benefits associated with AM are [14,67-71]:
a. The ability to fabricate components with highly complex
geometries without a proportional increase in manufacturing
costs;
b. Significant reduction in raw material waste, as only the
material required for the component is deposited;
c. On-demand customization and personalization of parts,
eliminating the need for dedicated tooling for each product;
and
d. Increased flexibility in new product and prototype
development, with shorter design cycles compared to
conventional manufacturing methods.
In the current industrial landscape, AM is regarded as a key
enabler of the transition toward Industry 4.0, integrating with
intelligent systems, digitalization, and automation to transform
production paradigms. Studies indicate that these technologies not
only improve efficiency and reduce costs but also enable innovative
manufacturing strategies, such as decentralized production and ondemand
maintenance [72-76].
Despite significant technical advances and the growing adoption
of additive manufacturing in industrial applications, several
challenges still limit its large-scale implementation. Among the
most frequently cited challenges in the literature are the high costs
associated with equipment and feedstock materials-particularly
in metal-based and large-scale processes-which can render cost
comparisons unfavorable relative to traditional manufacturing
methods at high production volumes. These factors contribute to the
fact that, despite its considerable potential, additive manufacturing
has not yet widely replaced conventional processes in industrial
applications where certification, repeatability, and economies of
scale are essential requirements [69,77].
Insertion of WAAM in this context
The physical principle of WAAM is closely related to conventional
arc welding techniques, such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), which are applied in an
automated and controlled manner for layer-by-layer deposition
rather than simply for joining components. An electric arc
established between the wire electrode and the substrate generates
sufficient heat to melt the feedstock material, which subsequently
solidifies upon cooling and metallurgically bonds to the previously
deposited layers, thereby forming a three-dimensional structure.
This approach enables high deposition rates due to the substantial
mass and energy transfer associated with the electric arc [78-87].
Although its adoption has been expanding, the integration of
WAAM into mature industrial production lines still faces technical
and standardization-related challenges. These include the need
for material qualification and process certification, as well as
integration with intelligent manufacturing systems (Industry 4.0)
and advanced automation strategies to ensure repeatability and
consistent quality [37,88-89].
Gaps in the literature and objectives of the review
In recent years, WAAM technology has gained considerable
attention in both scientific research and industrial development
due to its broad range of advantages and application versatility.
Several review studies emphasize that, despite its significant
potential, multiple technical challenges and knowledge gaps
still limit its full adoption in critical industrial applications
[37,82,90,91]. A recurring theme in the literature is the recognition
that process parameters, resulting microstructure, defect
formation (such as porosity, distortion, and residual stresses), and
mechanical properties are not yet fully understood or standardized
across different materials and deposition conditions. Numerous
studies highlight that the complexity of thermal and metallurgical
interactions inherent to the WAAM process hinders the reliable
prediction of final component characteristics without systematic
approaches to modeling, monitoring, and parameter optimization
[12,92-94].
Furthermore, although a substantial body of experimental
research and general state-of-the-art reviews exists-including
analyses of processing parameters and material performancethe
literature still lacks integrated syntheses that clearly identify
specific gaps related to deposition quality, integration into
industrial production lines, and guidelines for the certification
of metallic components manufactured by WAAM. This absence of
consolidated guidance complicates the transition of the technology
from academic environments to demanding industrial settings,
where repeatability, reliability, and compliance with standards are
essential requirements [46,90,95-97].
In light of this context, the primary objective of the present
review is to map and synthesize recent contributions from the
scientific literature on WAAM, with emphasis on:
a. The main research and development trends, focusing on
process parameters, microstructure evolution, and material
performance;
b. Persistent technical challenges, including defect
formation, thermal control, and mechanical properties;
c. Existing knowledge gaps that continue to limit the full
industrial application of the technology, particularly regarding
process standardization and component qualification
methodologies; and
d. Emerging proposals and future research directions,
including the integration of real-time monitoring techniques
and data-driven optimization strategies.
e. Therefore, this review aims not only to present the
current state of WAAM technology but also to provide a critical
perspective on the research needs that must still be addressed
to strengthen its scientific foundation and promote its broader
adoption in the metallurgical and advanced manufacturing
industries.
Electric arc deposition process
WAAM is based on arc welding processes adapted for additive
deposition. Among the main processes employed are: A. GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding): Also known as MIG/
MAG, this process provides high deposition rates and good
productivity, making it suitable for large-scale components and
applications requiring elevated material feed rates. B. GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): Offers superior
thermal control and arc stability; however, it typically presents
lower deposition rates compared to GMAW-based processes. It is
often preferred when precision and microstructural control are
critical. C. PAW (Plasma Arc Welding): Characterized by a more
constricted arc and higher energy density, resulting in deeper
penetration and improved arc stability, which can be advantageous
for specific geometries and materials. D. CMT (Cold Metal Transfer): A modified GMAW process
featuring advanced control of metal transfer through controlled
wire retraction, leading to reduced heat input and improved control
over droplet transfer. This makes it particularly attractive for thin
walls and heat-sensitive materials. Figure 2 presents a summary of
the main characteristics of each process.
Figure 2:Main electric arc deposition processes.
These processes differ primarily in terms of arc stability,
metal transfer mode (short-circuit, globular, or spray), heat input,
and penetration characteristics. Recent studies indicate that low
heat input processes, such as CMT, are particularly advantageous
for dimensional control and distortion reduction, especially in
thin-walled structures and geometrically complex components
[37,98,99]. The underlying physical principle involves the formation
of an electric arc between the electrode (wire) and the substrate,
generating a molten pool (melt pool). The controlled solidification
of this melt pool enables the incremental construction of the
component through successive layer deposition.
Main research and development trends: process
parameters, microstructure, and material performance:
Equipment configurations and process parameters: The
optimization of process parameters in WAAM is a critical factor in
achieving adequate geometric, microstructural, and mechanical
quality in deposited components. Experimental studies and
recent reviews demonstrate that parameters such as current,
voltage, travel speed, and wire feed rate directly influence bead
geometry, deposition rate, heat input, and the final properties of the
component [41,100-103].
The heat input equation (Q), derived from classical arc welding
theory, can be expressed as [37,104]:
where:
i. V = voltage
ii. I = current
iii. v = travel speed
iv. η = thermal efficiency
Voltage and current: The electric current (I) in arc-based
processes governs the amount of energy supplied to the arc,
directly affecting penetration depth, bead width, and arc stability.
In combination with voltage (V), these parameters determine the
overall heat input and, consequently, influence melt pool formation,
cooling rate, and resulting microstructural features.
Reviews indicate that variations in current and voltage lead to
significant differences in bead geometry and mechanical properties
of the final component, acting as primary control variables for
surface roughness and penetration characteristics of the deposited
bead [12,41,100,105,106]. The effect of current (a) and voltage (b)
on the geometry of the deposited material is illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3:Effect of current (a) and voltage (b) on bead geometry.
Travel speed: Travel speed, defined as the velocity at which the
torch moves along the substrate, regulates the thermal interaction
time per unit length. Reductions in travel speed tend to increase
the heat input per layer and arc penetration, whereas higher travel
speeds promote higher cooling rates, narrower bead widths, and
more refined microstructures, as experimentally observed in
carbon steels [107] and aluminum alloys [108].
Studies indicate that higher torch travel speeds may enhance
cooling rates and promote grain refinement, while lower speeds
result in larger bead volumes and steeper thermal gradients,
directly affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties of
the deposited material [37,41,109]. Furthermore, the interaction
between travel speed and wire feed rate is crucial in determining
the height and width of the deposited layer, directly influencing
surface finish and the extent of required post-processing operations
[12]. The effect of torch travel speed on bead geometry is illustrated
in Figure 4.
Figure 4:Effect of torch travel speed on bead geometry.
Mechanics of bead formation and deposition geometry:
The formation of the bead in WAAM is influenced by the interaction
between the electric arc, molten material flow, melt pool dynamics,
and kinematic parameters. The bead geometry is commonly
characterized by width (w), height (h), and penetration (p). These
parameters are directly dependent on the combination of current,
voltage, travel speed, and wire feed rate, as highlighted in both
experimental studies and recent reviews [12,60,108,110-112].
The literature demonstrates that:
Current and voltage modify the melt pool shape by altering
surface forces and penetration into the substrate [12]. Travel
speed regulates the thermal residence time and, consequently,
influences the energy deposited per unit length - directly affecting
bead width and height [41]. These combined parameter effects
are frequently modeled using empirical correlations and mass
conservation models, which relate arc characteristics and energy
input to the final geometric features [41]. Inadequate control of
these parameters may lead to defects such as porosity, overheating,
layer height variation, and residual thermal stresses, compromising
both structural integrity and geometric accuracy of the component
[12,37,91].
Persistent technical challenges, defects, thermal control,
and mechanical properties
Despite its clear benefits-such as high deposition rates, low
material waste, and reduced operational cost compared to other
metal additive manufacturing technologies-Wire Arc Additive
Manufacturing (WAAM) still faces substantial technical challenges
that limit its full industrial adoption and the final quality of
manufactured components [82,92]. One of the most frequently
cited challenges in the literature is defect control during deposition,
which directly impacts the mechanical integrity of the parts.
Defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, spatter, and irregularities
in the deposited bead geometry may arise due to inadequate
parameterization (such as wire feed rate, travel speed, and heat
input), surface contamination, or arc instabilities. These defects
negatively affect density, tensile strength, and fatigue performance
of fabricated components [37,41,46,52,57,91,95,97,113,114]
. Figure 5 illustrates the most common irregularities observed in
deposited materials.
Figure 5:Surface structure of walls produced using different interpass times [37].
Thermal management represents another central technical
challenge: the layer-by-layer nature of Wire Arc Additive
Manufacturing (WAAM) imposes repeated heating and cooling
cycles, leading to heat accumulation, steep thermal gradients,
and microstructural heterogeneity throughout the component.
This behavior may result in geometric distortion, high residual
stresses, and anisotropy in mechanical properties between
different orientations (e.g., build direction versus deposition plane)
[91,115]. Microstructural and mechanical anisotropy is particularly
pronounced in WAAM-fabricated components due to preferential
grain growth along the deposition direction and the specific
thermal history experienced by each layer. This leads to measurable
differences in strength and ductility between orientations, posing
challenges for critical structural applications that require uniform
mechanical behavior [12,57,115-117].
The integration of multiple materials within the same
metallic component-an emerging trend in advanced research and
applications-also presents substantial technical challenges. The
deposition of dissimilar materials can induce thermal mismatch,
formation of brittle intermetallic phases, delamination, and
elevated residual stresses, requiring tailored material transition
strategies and compositional gradients [92,118]. In addition,
aspects related to process control and real-time monitoring are
still under development. The complexity of coupled physical
phenomena (thermal, metallurgical, and fluid-dynamic) makes it
difficult to autonomously predict and adjust parameters, hindering
full industrialization of the process with assured repeatability and
compliance with robust quality standards [119].
Finally, although WAAM can produce components with
satisfactory mechanical strength in many cases, post-deposition heat
treatments, microstructure control strategies, and standardized
certification procedures remain necessary to ensure that largescale
industrial components meet regulatory requirements in
sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy [37].
Knowledge gaps limiting full industrial application,
process standardization, and component qualification
methods
Proposed directions and emerging research trends for
future developments: Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
continues to evolve rapidly, and the literature highlights several
promising research directions that may help overcome current
technical limitations and expand the industrial applicability of
the technology. Among the main research fronts are material
innovation, advanced monitoring and control strategies, predictive
modeling, and process standardization.
A priority research area is the development of advanced
materials. The fabrication of multi-material structures by WAAM
still faces significant challenges due to the formation of brittle
intermetallic phases and thermal incompatibility between
dissimilar alloys. Progress in the development of optimized wire
compositions and functionally graded materials may mitigate
detrimental segregation and enable more reliable bonding between
distinct materials, particularly for applications requiring combined
property performance (e.g., simultaneous wear resistance and
ductility). This advancement is especially relevant for renewable
energy, naval, and aerospace systems, where bimetallic or graded
structures can provide unique functional advantages [92]. Figure
6 illustrates different deposition strategies employed in recent
studies for the fabrication of bimetallic structures.
Figure 6:Deposition strategies for bimetallic structures. (a) Material deposited onto the substrate; (b) Material
deposited over a layer of another material; (c) Radial bimetallic structure; (d) Interlaced multilayer structure along the
Z direction; (e) Interlaced multilayer structure along the X and Y directions; and (f) Material deposited on the lateral
surface of another material [92].
Another emerging direction is real-time process monitoring
and control. Most Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
systems still operate in open-loop mode, limiting the ability to
detect and correct defects during part fabrication. Advances in
integrated sensors, computer vision, laser scanning systems, and
thermal sensors can provide immediate feedback on deposited
bead geometry, arc stability, and local thermal conditions. This
enables dynamic parameter adjustments, improving repeatability
and reducing defect formation [120-125].
Predictive modeling and simulation also stand out as essential
research directions. Thermo-metallurgical simulation methodsincluding
finite element modeling, computational heat flow
simulations, and microstructure modeling-are important tools to
anticipate thermal evolution and microstructural development
during deposition. Recent literature emphasizes the need for
robust models capable of capturing the complex interaction
between process parameters and defect formation. Overcoming
this challenge would allow faster and more targeted process
optimization [126-133]. Within methodological innovation, the
application of collaborative robotics and coordinated motion
control for deposition on complex geometries is another promising
research line. Emerging studies explore multi-robot systems
and control algorithms that adjust torch orientation according
to build direction, reducing adverse effects such as uncontrolled
overheating and defects in overhangs or inclined surfaces-features
that remain difficult to manufacture using conventional WAAM
approaches [134-138].
Finally, process standardization and the development of robust
databases are considered fundamental for WAAM’s industrial
evolution. The lack of widely accepted technical standards hampers
comparison between studies, part certification, and adoption
in high-demand sectors such as aerospace and biomedical
engineering. The literature recommends establishing harmonized
guidelines for material qualification, monitoring procedures,
parameter reporting, and defect acceptance criteria, facilitating
integration of WAAM into mature production chains [92,139,140].
The authors would like to thank the Fundação de Amparo
à Pesquisa e Inovação do Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC) for
the financial support that enabled the development of this review.
The authors also acknowledge the institutional support provided
by Centro Universitário SATC (UNISATC) and Universidade Federal
de Santa Catarina (UFSC) for the infrastructure and academic
environment that significantly contributed to the completion of
this work.
Casagrande HC, Daleffe A, Ferreira C, Fritzen D, March G, et al. (2023) Manufacturing process for metal parts using additive manufacturing with localized melting of low-alloy steels Open Science Research XI 11: 997-1008.
Khalid M, Peng Q (2021) Sustainability and environmental impact of additive manufacturing: A literature review. Computer-Aided Design & Applications 18: 1210-1232.
ISO/ASTM 52900:2021. Additive manufacturing-General principles-Fundamentals and vocabulary. ISO; West Conshohocken: ASTM International, Geneva, Switzerland.
Dagostin DK, Daleffe A, Casagrande HC, March G, Ferreira CA, et al. (2024) Development of an additive manufacturing process with localized deposition using twin-wire GMAW technology. Latin American Economy Observatory Magazine 22: 01-27.
Professor, Chief Doctor, Director of Department of Pediatric Surgery, Associate Director of Department of Surgery, Doctoral Supervisor Tongji hospital, Tongji medical college, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Senior Research Engineer and Professor, Center for Refining and Petrochemicals, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Interim Dean, College of Education and Health Sciences, Director of Biomechanics Laboratory, Sport Science Innovation Program, Bridgewater State University