Abstract
Inconel 625 alloy is widely utilized in the production of components for demanding industries. This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) on the surface properties and wear resistance of Inconel 625 alloy produced by selective laser melting (SLM). Specifically, it focused on analyzing the effect of UNSM on the microstructure, hardness, surface roughness, coefficient of friction and essentially wear resistance of the alloy. The results showed that the microstructure formed by SLM, characterized by relatively large melt pools, was modified by UNSM to a depth of approximately 10 to 15 microns, resulting in a new microstructure composed of deformed grains without changing the chemical composition. Surface hardness increased by over 63% after UNSM treatment. In addition, the surface roughness initially induced by the SLM process was reduced by more than 90%, resulting in a tenfold reduction in the coefficient of friction. Wear path analysis showed that while the abrasive wear mechanism of the alloy remained unchanged, the UNSM treated samples exhibited increased debris production and more frequent delamination due to reduced workability. The alterations in surface properties, including reduced crystallite size, increased lattice strain, grain refinement, and decreased surface area, have been identified as key contributors to the enhanced hardness and wear resistance of the alloy following UNSM treatment.
Published Version
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