Control of the chemical composition of heat-resistant nickel alloys upon manufacturing products from these alloys using additive technologies

Abstract

Heat-resistant alloys (superalloys) widely used for manufacturing parts of various components of aircraft engines are complex nickel-based systems which contain apart from alloying (Al, Cr, Co, Ti, Mo, W, etc.) and microalloying additives (B, Mg, REM, etc.) different amounts of the impurities (Mn, Fe, Si, Pb, As, Sn), including gas-forming (O, N, C, S) ones. The use of additive technologies (AT) in manufacturing of complex-shaped parts made of these alloys makes it possible to increase the material utilization coefficient and shorten the technological process. However, the use of AT requires real-time control of the composition of semi-products and finished products at all stages of production. Study of various stages of manufacturing parts from ZhS6K and VZh159 alloys using an AT of selective laser alloying (SLA) is carried out using analytical control systems of the laboratory of the Testing Center (TC) of FSUE «VIAM». A complex of methods for atomic emission, mass spectrometric and X-ray fluorescence determination of different groups of elements was used for the analysis of charge materials, cast bar blanks, metal-powder compositions (MPC) and synthesized parts. The results of analysis of nickel N-1u and chromium Kh99N1 used upon and after smelting of cast billets, as well as analysis of MPC of these alloys carried out by different methods are presented (gas analyzers were used to determine the gas-forming impurities). Monitoring on the chemical composition of materials throughout the process of additive manufacturing ensure their compliance with the regulatory requirements and predict the properties of finished products. The work was carried out within the framework of complex scientific direction 2.1 «Fundamental research» («Strategic directions for the development of materials and technologies for their processing for the period up to 2030»).