Fabrication of Bimetallic Structure (SS 316L/SS 308L) via Wire + Arc Additive Manufacturing: A Detailed Characterization of Interface

Dissimilar welding of stainless steel is crucial for structural application in aerospace, aviation, and power generation, with seamless Bi-Metallic Structure (BMS) addressing challenges related to improper fabrication conditions. In this study, stainless steel (SS) 308L and SS 316L filler wires were used to manufacture and evaluate mechanical and microstructural characteristics of BMS wall through wire + arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). BMS exhibits increased tensile strength (605.1 ± 5 MPa) compared to WAAM SS 316L (517.9 ± 6 MPa), while maintaining exceptional ductility due to tailored microstructures influenced by varying thermal cycles. This research enhances current understanding of material selection in additive manufacturing for engineering application, providing knowledge for industrial use in replacing or innovating application.