Research on the manufacturing of electrical power fittings based on metal droplet deposition

Molten metal droplets deposition is an additive process in which parts are produced from molten materials in a single operation without the use of any mold or other tooling. Near-net shaped parts are fabricated by sequentially depositing molten droplets layer by layer. For larger inventories, higher purchase cost, and lower production efficiency of Electrical power fittings now; this paper puts forward an innovation method to manufacture Electrical power fittings using the process of metal droplet deposition, meeting the needs of electrical repairs, while reducing installation costs and achieving zero inventories. In accordance with the structure features, through reasonable selection of process parameters, the typical thin-walled parts and ball head rings of Electrical power fittings were realized; meanwhile, microstructure analysis and performance tests of the parts were carried out. The result showed that the structures were reasonable and the mechanical properties were excellent. The works should be helpful for the process optimization and non-destructive detection of drop-based rapid prototyping techniques.