L-PBF and DED processing of a Ni-based superalloy

Different additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as L-PBF and DED do become really attractive for both repair and 3D part manufacturing. In particular, extensive work is in progress for the non-weldable nickel-based superalloys which tend to exhibit cracks due to residual stresses build-up during AM thermal cycles. Within the framework of the project FAPS conducted at Université Paris-Saclay, the present investigation will highlight the processing conditions and build-up strategy that produce crack-free specimens for alloy AD730®. The latter was developed by Aubert & Duval for cast&wrought gas turbine applications. In this work, a comparison between such conventional processing and AM will be provided in terms of mechanical performance. The results clearly show an anisotropic behaviour related to the sharp crystallographic texture induced by the epitaxial grain growth. The results will be discussed, with a perspective analysis of maturity for this AM processedmaterial, the process robustness, the potential technological developments and application prospects.