Microstructure and mechanical properties of laser net shape manufactured inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V components

Abstract

Laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM) is a laser cladding based technology, which can fabricate prototype and repair high performance aircraft engine components with metal powders. Characterizing mechanical properties of the laser net shape manufactured components is important to the application of LNSM technique in real production. Nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys are the most commonly used materials in aircraft engines. This paper studies the material properties of laser deposited Inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V specimens by evaluation of their microstructures and tensile strength. The effects of laser processing parameters and build up orientations on the resulting material microstructures and the mechanical strengths are investigated.Laser net shape manufacturing (LNSM) is a laser cladding based technology, which can fabricate prototype and repair high performance aircraft engine components with metal powders. Characterizing mechanical properties of the laser net shape manufactured components is important to the application of LNSM technique in real production. Nickel-based superalloys and titanium alloys are the most commonly used materials in aircraft engines. This paper studies the material properties of laser deposited Inconel 718 and Ti-6Al-4V specimens by evaluation of their microstructures and tensile strength. The effects of laser processing parameters and build up orientations on the resulting material microstructures and the mechanical strengths are investigated.