Studies on the Tribocorrosion Properties of an Iron Alloy Produced by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Subjected to Multi-Stage Heat Treatment

The paper addresses tribocorrosion resistance studies of components made from the iron alloy Fe (0.21% C, 0.8% Si, 1.29% Mn, 1.34% Cr) using the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology. The authors have developed their original heat treatment technology, where oil baths are used, leading to an increase in impact strength. This treatment combines processes such as austenitising, martensitic hardening, tempering, and austempering. As part of the research tests, tribocorrosion wear measurements were conducted in a 3.5% NaCl solution on both heat-treated and non-treated samples. The measurements showed lower tribocorrosion wear in the samples subjected to the novel heat treatment.