Experimental Investigation of TIG Welded Additive Manufactured Inco-718 Sheets

In this research work, Inconel 718 specimens are fabricated by Direct Metal Laser Sintering process in the closed chamber which is filled with argon gas environment from a pre-alloyed powder. The process contains the high intensity of the laser source to melt the powder material, and the segment is placed on the top of the previous layer. Plates were vertically fabricated systematically (i.e., z-axis) and columnar grains are exhibited perpendicular to the build direction (i.e., x-axis). Test specimens are stress-relieved at 980°C for 2 hours and the recrystallized zone are found to be spheroid structure precipitates. The Ni-Cr matrix in the recrystallized interface and grain boundaries is observed in the samples, the micro hardness of the as-fabricated material is found as 340-350 VHN. Also, correspondingly mechanical properties are comparable with the wrought inco-718 alloy material. Further, the as build condition specimens are used for making butt joint configuration using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process and Mechanical and microstructural properties are studied. The studies on welding of additive manufactured component will ensure the weldability of the AM material for the research community and industry.

Keywords:
Additive manufacturing; Inconel 718; Direct Metal Laser Sintering; TIG welding