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ELIMINATION OF CRACKING IN NICKEL ALLOYS

Study effects of processing parameters, platform temperature, geometry and alloy chemistry on cracking.

Some materials such as nickel‐based superalloys Inconel 738 and Hastelloy X are susceptible to cracking during selective laser melting (SLM).

The aim of this research is to understand the influence of alloy composition and the thermal profile on the formation of microstructure and cracking. The Hub has investigated several material compositions to understand the impact that minor changes in alloy composition can have on hot tearing.

Research within the Hub has resulted in a thorough understanding of microstructure, texture, compositional segregation and mechanical properties of Hastelloy X. This has led to hot tearing susceptibility predictions that allow chemical compositions to be adjusted to reduce or eliminate the risk of cracking due to hot tearing.