The Microstructural Evolution of CM247LC Manufactured Through Laser Powder Bed Fusion

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. A, Physical metallurgy and materials science Vol. 54; no. 5; pp. 1758 - 1775
• Main Authors: Markanday, J. F. S., Christofidou, K. A., Miller, J. R., Livera, E. R., Jones, N. G., Pickering, E. J., Li, W., Pardhi, Y., Jones, C. N., Stone, H. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.05.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cracks; Deposition; Evolution; Fourth European Symposium on Superalloys and their Applications; Hafnium; Heat; Lasers; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Microscopy; Microstructure; Nanotechnology; Nickel base alloys; Niobium; Powder beds; Process controls; Software; Solidification; Structural Materials; Superalloys; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Topical Collection: Processing and Applications of Superalloys
• ISSN: 1073-5623; 1543-1940
• DOI: 10.1007/s11661-022-06939-0

Numerous challenges persist with the additive manufacturing of high γ ′ containing Ni-based superalloys such as CM247LC. Currently, significant cracking occurs during deposition of CM247LC components using laser powder bed fusion and during post-processing. Whilst post-deposition procedures seek to eliminate or minimise cracks, current procedures do not produce a microstructure suitable for service. This study systematically investigates the microstructural evolution of CM247LC manufactured using laser powder bed fusion following multiple post processing treatments. Phase and textural changes after each processing step were consistent with previous studies, although an additional Hf-rich and Cr-depleted segregation zone was identified along intercellular boundaries in the as-deposited condition, believed to be associated with the cracking propensity. Compositional modification of CM247LC including removal of Hf, reduction of C and addition of Nb eliminated the segregation zone but these changes were associated with an increased susceptibility to solidification and liquation cracking.