Laser net shape manufacturing of Rene80

Abstract

Rene 80, as an alloy for production of the jet turbine blades by investment precision casting, shows high mechanical properties as well as microstructure stability during the high temperature engine operation. However, due to poor weldability of this material, it’s very difficult to weld by conventional welding technologies. Laser beam welding/cladding has been recognized as a very attractive and promising technology for prototype fabrication and repair of high performance aircraft engine components due to its lower heat input and localized heating. In this paper, Laser Net Shape Manufacturing (LNSM) was applied for Rene 80 deposition. The key processing parameters were correlated with solidification microstructure and cracking susceptibility was investigated. In addition, the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure was also studied.Rene 80, as an alloy for production of the jet turbine blades by investment precision casting, shows high mechanical properties as well as microstructure stability during the high temperature engine operation. However, due to poor weldability of this material, it’s very difficult to weld by conventional welding technologies. Laser beam welding/cladding has been recognized as a very attractive and promising technology for prototype fabrication and repair of high performance aircraft engine components due to its lower heat input and localized heating. In this paper, Laser Net Shape Manufacturing (LNSM) was applied for Rene 80 deposition. The key processing parameters were correlated with solidification microstructure and cracking susceptibility was investigated. In addition, the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure was also studied.