Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of a Ni Alloy and its Components
X. Wu1, D. Tomus1, T. Jarvis1, P. Rometsch1, E. Herny2, J-F. Rideau2, S. Vaillant2
1Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
2Microturbo, Safran Group, Toulouse, France
Laser powder bed machines EoSM280 and Concept Laser X Line 1000R (600x400x500mm) have been used to process Hastelloy X(HX), a high strength Ni alloy. Within AMS specification, several variations of the composition have been SLMed and characterised systematically. Some compositions, although all within the AMS specification, is more prone to cracking than others and the failure mechanism have been analysed and discussed. Mechanical properties of the alloy under a range of heat treatment conditions were evaluated at room temperature and elevated temperatures, compared with that of the wrought. The influence of processing and post heat treatment conditions on porosity, microstructure and mechanical properties are analysed and discussed. The temperature distribution within the SLMed part and the surrounding powder was measured and used to interpret the resulted microstructure and mechanical proerties. Examples of SLMed parts will be shown and the challenges for SLMed components to meet aerospace standard will be discussed.