Mechanical Properties and Interfacial Characterization of Additive-Manufactured CuZrCr/CoCrMo Multi-Metals Fabricated by Powder Bed Fusion Using Pulsed Wave Laser.

In this study, CoCrMo cuboid samples were deposited on a CuZrCr substrate using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology to investigate the influence of process parameters and laser remelting strategies on the mechanical properties and interface characteristics of multi-metals. This study found that process parameters and laser scanning strategies had a significant influence on the mechanical properties and interface characteristics. Samples fabricated with an EV ≤ 20 J/mm3 showed little tensile ductility. As the volumetric energy density (EV) increased to a range between 40 J/mm3 and 100 J/mm3, the samples achieved the desired mechanical properties, with a strong interface combining the alloys. However, an excessive energy density could result in cracks due to thermal stress. Laser remelting significantly improved the interface properties, especially when the EV was below 40 J/mm3. Variances in the EV showed little influence on the hardness at the CuZrCr end, while the hardness at the interface and the CoCrMo end showed an increasing and decreasing trend with an increase in the EV, respectively. Interface characterization showed that when the EV was greater than 43 J/mm3, the main defects in the L-PBF CoCrMo samples were thermal cracks, which gradually changed to pores with a lack of fusion when the EV decreased. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the manufacturing of multi-metal parts using L-PBF technology.

Interface Hardness Analysis of between IN625 and CoCrMo Manufactured by Pulsed Wave Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

The nuclear and petrochemical industries often require multi-metal parts that are corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, and possess high strength to enhance equipment safety and reduce downtime. Additive manufacturing technology enables the rapid and flexible processing of multi-metal parts to meet these stringent demands. This study is aimed at investigating the interface hardness between CoCrMo/IN625 to determine optimal processing parameters that can be utilized in manufacturing reliable and durable multi-metal parts. The result indicates that when the volumetric energy density, Ev, is at or below 20 J/mm3, microfluidic forces are unable to sufficiently diffuse between the two metals, leading to insufficient diffusion, and the high hardness CoCrMo acts as a support, resulting in a significantly higher interface hardness. As Ev increases, intense recoil pressure within the microfluidic forces disrupts the melt pool, allowing for full diffusion between the two metals. The fully diffused high-hardness CoCrMo has been diluted by the low-hardness IN625, thus reducing the interface hardness. Considering the interface hardness, strength, and printing efficiency (time and energy consumption), we recommend a range of 35 J/mm3 < Ev ≤ 75 J/mm3. In this range, the average values for interface hardness and tensile strength of the samples are approximately 382 HV and 903 MPa, respectively.

Interface Analysis between Inconel 625 and Cobalt-Chromium Alloy Fabricated by Powder Bed Fusion Using Pulsed Wave Laser.

A few components used in the aerospace and petrochemical industries serve in corrosive environments at high temperatures. Corrosion-resistant metals or unique processes, such as coating and fusion welding, are required to improve the performance of the parts. We have used laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology to deposit a 5 mm thick corrosion-resistant CoCrMo layer on a high-strength IN625 substrate to improve the corrosion resistance of the core parts of a valve. This study found that when the laser volumetric energy density (EV) ≤ 20, the tensile strength increases linearly with the increase in EV, and the slope of the curve is approximately 85°. The larger the slope, the greater the impact of EV on the intensity. When EV > 20, the sample strength reaches the maximum tensile strength. When the EV increases from 0 to 20, the fracture position of the sample shifts from CoCrMo to IN625. When EV ≤ 38, the strain increases linearly with the increase in EV, and the slope of the curve is approximately 67.5°. The sample strain rate reaches the maximum when EV > 38. Therefore, for an optimal sample strength and strain, EV should be greater than 38. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the manufacturing of corrosion-resistant dissimilar metal parts using LPBF technology.