Scanning electron microscopy and atom probe tomography characterization of laser powder bed fusion precipitation strengthening nickel-based superalloy.

Atom probe tomography (APT) was utilized to supplement scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of a precipitation strengthening nickel-based superalloy, Alloy 247LC, processed by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). It was observed that the material in the as-built condition had a relatively high strength. Using both SEM and APT, it was concluded that the high strength was not attributed to the typical precipitation strengthening effect of γ'. In the absence of γ' it could be reasonably inferred that the numerous black dots observed in the cells/grains with SEM were dislocations and as such should be contributing significantly to the strengthening. Thus, the current investigation demonstrated that relatively high strengthening can be attained in L-PBF even in the absence of precipitated γ'. Even though γ' was not precipitated, the APT analysis displayed a nanometer scale partitioning of Cr that could be contributing to the strengthening. After heat-treatment, γ' was precipitated and it demonstrated the expected high strengthening behavior. Al, Ta and Ti partitioned to γ'. The strong partitioning of Ta in γ' is indicative that the element, together with Al and Ti, was contributing to the strain-age cracking occurring during heat-treatment. Cr, Mo and Co partitioned to the matrix γ phase. Hf, Ta, Ti and W were found in the carbides corroborating previous reports that they are MC.

On the Microstructure of Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion Alloy 718 and Its Influence on the Low Cycle Fatigue Behaviour.

Additive manufacturing of Alloy 718 has become a popular subject of research in recent years. Understanding the process-microstructure-property relationship of additively manufactured Alloy 718 is crucial for maturing the technology to manufacture critical components. Fatigue behaviour is a key mechanical property that is required in applications such as gas turbines. Therefore, in the present work, low cycle fatigue behaviour of Alloy 718 manufactured by laser beam powder bed fusion process has been investigated. The material was tested in as-built condition as well as after two different thermal post-treatments. Three orientations with respect to the building direction were tested to evaluate the anisotropy. Testing was performed at room temperature under controlled amplitudes of strain. It was found that defects, inclusions, strengthening precipitates, and Young's modulus influence the fatigue behaviour under strain-controlled conditions. The strengthening precipitates affected the deformation mechanism as well as the cycle-dependent hardening/softening behaviour. The defects and the inclusions had a detrimental effect on fatigue life. The presence of Laves phase in LB-PBF Alloy 718 did not have a detrimental effect on fatigue life. Young's modulus was anisotropic and it contributed to the anisotropy in strain-life relationship. Pseudo-elastic stress vs. fatigue life approach could be used to handle the modulus-induced anisotropy in the strain-life relationship.