- By:
- Lambert, Nathan W; Nycz, Andrzej ; Masuo, Christopher J; Carter, William G; Sebok, Michael A; Walters, Harold A; Wallace, Riley C; Lai, Canhai ; Lim, Bryan
- Page Number:
- 1641-1648
- Book Title:
- Solid Freeform Fabrication 2024: Proceedings of the 35th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium – An Additive Manufacturing Conference
- Publication Date:
- March 12, 2026
- Publisher Location:
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Conference Name:
- Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium
- Conference Location:
- Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Conference Sponsor:
- University of Texas, Austin
Abstract
H-13 tools steel’s relative hardness, resistance to thermal fatigue, and high tolerance of thermal shock, make it very desirable for use in forging, pressing, casting, and extrusion processes[1]. H-13 is however typically quite expensive when compared to many other steel compositions. It is therefore desirable to encase a lower cost steel composition with H-13. This configuration allows for the benefits of H-13 tooling to be realized, at a considerably reduced cost. To demonstrate the viability of this concept, a casting tool was fabricated using a Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process. Initial materials testing was conducted on a multi-material wall which consisted of one section of H-13 tool steel, and one section of 410NiNmo. These tests included scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and hardness testing. This testing generated favorable results and subsequently a casting tool was fabricated for evaluation. Utilization of a Multi-Material WAAM process to fabricate large tooling in this manner could yield significant improvements in material cost, manufacturing agility, and supply chain complexity.
