Reducing defects in remelting processes for high-performance alloys

Abstract

Defect reduction is one of the most important goals in continuing research to improve remelting technologies, such as vacuum arc remelting, electroslag remelting, or hearth melting (plasma or electron beam), of specialty alloys. Ingot defects may originate from several sources in these processes, such as foreign materials in the melt stock or electrode, drop-in material from the furnace interior, and solidification defects. Laboratory-and industrial-scale melting experiments are used by Sandia National Laboratories and the Specialty Metals Processing Consortium to determine relationships between melt-processing conditions and defect formation. Examples described here include freckle formation, a solidification defect in large ingots of alloy 625 (electroslag remelting), and alloy 718 (vacuum arc remelting). These examples demonstrate how integrated melting experiments, process modeling, and ingot analysis can guide the control of melting conditions to reduce defects.