Abstract

Tungsten composites face severe challenges in machining complex structures due to tungsten's high melting temperature. To explore solutions that enable fabrication of complex W composite parts by additive manufacturing, W-6Ni-2Fe-2Co (W90), W-12Ni-4Fe-4Co (W80) and W-18Ni-6Fe-6Co (W70) composites were consolidated by selective laser melting (SLM). The effects of laser process parameters and chemical compositions on densification, microstructures, phases, and tensile properties were investigated. With the increase of laser energy density, the density of the composite increases. Near full density with an absence of cracks and pores was achieved in the SLM-processed W70 composites. The typical microstructure consisted of un melted polyhedral W particles and the surrounding W-Ni-Fe-Co matrix with W dendrites. Alternating layered fine dendrite and coarse dendrite zones were visible in side views of the composites. The tensile properties of the W70 composite had a pronounced improvement with the increase of laser energy density. A maximum ultimate tensile strength of 1198 MPa was obtained in the SLM-processed W70 composite with elongation of 9.5%. The SLM-processed W-Ni-Fe-Co composites pave the way for new refractory metal alloys and complex shaped parts fabrication by additive manufacturing.

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