Abstract
This study investigates the development of grain structure and crystallographic texture in Inconel 825 parts produced via wire arc-based additive manufacturing. Microscopy revealed distinct dendritic morphologies across the build height, transitioning from refined cellular and equiaxed structures near the substrate to coarser columnar dendrites in the upper layers due to reduced cooling rates. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses indicated a strong crystallographic texture with preferred 〈111〉 and 〈001〉 orientations along the build direction. The grain boundary character distribution showed a high fraction of high-angle grain boundaries (45%), suggesting potential for superior mechanical performance. Pole figure analysis confirmed orthotropic texture symmetry, highlighting the directional nature of solidification and epitaxial growth. These texture-induced microstructural features contribute to superior load-bearing capability and thermal stability, making WAAM-fabricated IN825 well-suited for demanding applications in aerospace, chemical processing, and power generation environments, where high temperature and corrosion resistance are critical.