Inoculation of heterogeneous nucleation site on microstructure and mechanical properties of A7003 aluminum alloy manufactured by wire-type directed energy deposition

• The inoculated A7003 (Al-Zn-Mg) wire with heterogeneous nucleation site particles of Al 3 (Ti 1-x Zr x ) and TiB 2 and the uninoculated A7003 Al wire for the directed energy deposition (DED) method, were designed and fabricated. • The better formability of the DED method can be achieved with the inoculated A7003 Al alloy wire. • Refinement of grain size as well as equiaxed grains can be achieved with inoculated A7003 Al wire. • Better mechanical properties (higher tensile strength, 0.2% proof stress and fracture strain and uniform mechanical properties across the entire build) can be achieved with the inoculated A7003 Al wire.