Research Summary
Arc-directed energy deposition (arc-DED) is a metal additive manufacturing process that uses an electric arc to melt and deposit metal wire or powder to build parts layer by layer. It is attracting interest from the manufacturing industry because of its potential to produce large metal components with low costs and short lead times. However, the process relies on single-material wire feeding, which presents a significant production limitation for multi-material systems. Dr. Ali Nasiri, Canada Research Chair in Ocean Engineering, seeks to overcome this challenge.
Nasiri and his research team are focusing on high entropy alloys, which offer exceptional mechanical properties, wear resistance, corrosion behaviour, and high-temperature performance—qualities that are highly valued in the marine, defense and aerospace sectors. Despite their potential, these alloys are underused in additive manufacturing applications. Nasiri’s team is addressing this gap by integrating a new powder-wire hybrid feeding system into arc-DED technology, enabling the fabrication of advanced materials.