Laser freeforming of nickel-aluminum bronze

Abstract

Results of an investigation into the laser forming of nickel-aluminum-bronze (NAB) are reported. It was found that NAB could be laser formed using a high power carbon dioxide laser. Metallographic analysis of the deposits showed a cellular-dendritic structure much finer than the structure observed for conventional large-scale castings. Two different alloy compositions were used, one meeting the compositional requirements for UNS C95800, the other having lower aluminum and higher silicon content than UNS C95900. Chemical analysis showed that the powder and resulting deposits have essentially the same composition. Hardness of the laser formed ingot was within the expected values for NAB. Tensile and ductility measurements were also within expected ranges.Results of an investigation into the laser forming of nickel-aluminum-bronze (NAB) are reported. It was found that NAB could be laser formed using a high power carbon dioxide laser. Metallographic analysis of the deposits showed a cellular-dendritic structure much finer than the structure observed for conventional large-scale castings. Two different alloy compositions were used, one meeting the compositional requirements for UNS C95800, the other having lower aluminum and higher silicon content than UNS C95900. Chemical analysis showed that the powder and resulting deposits have essentially the same composition. Hardness of the laser formed ingot was within the expected values for NAB. Tensile and ductility measurements were also within expected ranges.