A novel near net-shape layer-by-layer welding technique—Shaped Metal Deposition (SMD)—using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding was employed to produce components from a 308 stainless steel wire. This technique is meant to fabricate metal components for rapid prototyping or for reparation of components when no additional tooling is available. The mechanical properties of components prepared by this novel route have to be known before application, since they do not necessarily coincide with the properties of components derived from conventional fabrication methods.
The component exhibits a microstructure composed of austenite and vermicular δ ferrite with the predominance of austenite. Neither the structure nor the mechanical properties are dependent on the height of the component. The mechanical properties are comparable to those of components prepared by conventional techniques.