Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a novel near net shape manufacturing technology that joins metallic powders layer upon layer in conjunction with 3D model data and as such offers tremendous potential to a wide range of industrial sectors given its ability to produce highly intricate components with very little material wastage. Subsequently, the aerospace industry has become particularly interested in utilising AM as a means of manufacturing nickel-based superalloys for high-temperature applications, such as non-rotating components within gas turbine engines, which are traditionally fabricated through traditional cast and wrought methodologies. As a result of this, a detailed understanding of the influence of key process variables on the structural integrity of the different experimental builds is required. A semi-empirical quantitative approach for melt track analysis has been conducted and the impact on melt track sizing and defect forming mechanisms in the as-built and heat-treated condition is investigated.
Highlights
Nickel-based superalloys are a branch of highly engineered alloys that display impressive capabilities of withstanding high temperatures, stresses and corrosive environments [1]
An understanding of the influence of key process variables has arisen in parallel and there is ongoing research in order to ascertain the influence of individual process parameters such as beam speed, beam power and hatch spacing both individually and in conjunction with one another [6,7]
A summation of 3000–3500 manual melt track measurements was recorded across the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)
Summary
Nickel-based superalloys are a branch of highly engineered alloys that display impressive capabilities of withstanding high temperatures, stresses and corrosive environments [1]. It is for these reasons that they are heavily incorporated within the aerospace industry, within gas turbine engines in sections that can surpass arduous temperatures of over 1000 ◦ C [2]. This paper will look to investigate the influence of linearly normalised process parameters such as beam speed and power on melt tracks sizes, variability and structural integrity both in the as-built (AB) and post-processed condition
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
