This thesis presents the approach of determining the machining  errors on a five axis CNC machine using sensors already fitted in the machine to extract valuable data up on process called CITE(CNC Integrity Tracing Equipment) system and measuring the machined workpiece geometry using CMM(Coordinate measurement machine). CITE measurement system is the data acquisition hardware and software system developed by University West for collecting position information from encoders of a machine tool. The collected information could then be used to assess the quality and adjustment of a machine tool, CNC programs and the CNC control parameters. The aim of this study is to examine the roundness and concentricity detection capacity of the CITE system by conducting different milling methods and a turning process. In an example cutting of a workpiece, the CITE measurement system was used for recording the machining process. After that, radial error, centre point deviation and circle roundness errors, analysed using MATLAB based on collected CNC tool movement data. CMM measurement used to verify the results obtained from the CITE measurement system. The investigation conducted on the small circles shows that the CITE measurement system have capability of identifying radial errors in different method of millings (slot, up and down). Centre point deviation and roundness errors measured by the CITE system doesn`t show significant differences between milling methods as seen on CMM measurement.

Investigations on remote temperature sensing of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) at the surface and at the bond-coat/top-coat interface were carried out. Using Y2O3:Eu thermographic phosphor as an embedded temperature sensing layer, sub-surface temperature probing through 300 mu m of atmospheric plasma sprayed YSZ is demonstrated. The Y2O3:Eu thermographic phosphor displays a temperature sensitivity ranging between 400 degrees C up to a maximum of 900 degrees C when utilizing the luminescence originating from the 611 nm emission band. Dysprosium stabilized zirconia (10 wt.% DySZ), a TBC material, is also investigated and established as a temperature sensor from 400 degrees C up to a temperature of 1000 degrees C using both the intensity decay time and emission intensity ratio methods. In addition, the luminescence of presumed optically inactive YSZ materials was spectroscopically investigated in terms of optical interferences caused by impurities. A validation temperature probing measurement through 300 mu m of YSZ top-coat was successfully performed in a SGT-800 Siemens burner running at six different operating conditions in an atmospheric combustion rig. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The purpose of the study is to assess the life cycle impacts of conventional grit-blasting and FSL patterning as an alternative surface preparation. FSL has notable advantages in that it does not leave any contaminationon surface, whereas grit blasting does. By employment of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) method, a powerful methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of the process used in the production of a product could be utilised. The LCA methodology largely relies on data about inputs, outputs and environmental impacts of a process. It has four iterative phases, namely clear definition of goal and scope, inventory analysis, impact assessment and interpretation. The goal was set as the evaluation of the environmental impact between conventional grit-blasting and femtosecond laser patterning. The scope restricted the system boundary to 'cradle to gate' without the consideration of machinery. Data was gathered from multiple sources under limitations imposed by COVID-19 and other factors. The impact assessment employed the LCA Impact 2002+ Endpoint methodology to process data inputs to determine the comparative impacts of both systems on climate change, ecosystem quality, resources, and human health. The interpretation of the LCA Impact 2002+ method applied to a Canadian scenario showed that the femtosecond laser was significantly less damaging on all metrics except for human health. Human health was disadvantaged for the femtosecond laser solely because of ionising radiation, which could potentially be mitigated through radiation safety protocols. A sensitivity analysis using the Impact 2002+ model was run for India. The results were very different and showed less damage to all four categories for grit blasting. This is driven by the higher electricity consumption (57 times more) of the femtosecond laser process combined with the difference in the source of power generation in India, where the generation of electricity causes more damage due to its greater reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. Further exploration can be done to enhance the data inputs into this model as per the limitations and assumptions already stated.

This thesis is about laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of the nickel-based superalloy: Alloy 247LC. Alloy 247LC is used mainly in gas turbine blades and processing the blades with L-PBF confers performance advantage over the blades manufactured with conventional methods. This is mainly because L-PBF is more suitable, than conventional methods, for manufacturing the complex cooling holes in the blades. The research was motivated by the need for academia and industry to gain knowledge about the processability of the alloy using L-PBF. The knowledge is essential in order to eventually solve the problem of cracking which is a major problem when manufacturing the alloy. In addition, dense parts with low void content should be manufactured and the parts should meet the required performance. Thus, the thesis answered some of the important questions related to process parameter-microstructure-defect relationships.

The thesis presented an introduction in chapter 1. A literature review was made in chapter 2 to 4. In chapter 2, the topic of additive manufacturing was introduced followed by an overview of laser powder bed fusion. Chapter 3 focused on superalloys. Here, a review was made from the broader perspective of superalloys but was eventually narrowed down to the characteristics of nickelbased superalloys and finally Alloy 247LC. Chapter 4 reviewed the main research on L-PBF of Alloy 247LC. The methodology applied in the thesis was discussed in chapter 5. The thesis applied statistical design of experiments to show the influence of process parameters on the defects and microstructure, so a detail description of the method was warranted. This was given at the beginning of chapter 5 and followed by the description of the L-PBF manufacturing and the characterization methods. The main results and discussions, in chapter 6, included a preliminary investigation on how the process parameters influenced the amount of discontinuity in single track samples. This was followed by the results and discussions on the investigation of voids, cracks and microhardness in cube samples (detail presentation was given in the attached paper B). Finally, the thesis presented results of the microstructure obtainable in L-PBF manufactured Alloy 247LC. The initial results of the microstructure investigation were presented in paper A.

This thesis is about laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of the nickel-basedsuperalloy Alloy 247LC. Alloy 247LC is mainly used in gas turbine blades and processing the blades with L-PBF may confer performance advantage over the blades manufactured with conventional methods. This is mainly because L-PBFis more suitable, than conventional methods, for manufacturing the complex cooling holes in the blades. The research was motivated by the need for academia and industry to gain knowledge about the processability of the alloy using L-PBF. The knowledge is essential to eventually solve the problem of cracking encountered when processing the alloy. In addition, dense parts with low void content should be processed and the microstructure and properties should meett he required performance. Heat-treatment is usually performed to acquire final properties, so it is also of interest to study this aspect. Thus, the thesis answered some of the important questions related to process parameter-microstructure- property relationships.

The manufacturing of parts from nickel-based superalloy Alloy 247LC by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is challenging, primarily owing to the alloy’s susceptibility to cracks. Apart from the cracks, voids created during the L-PBF process should also be minimized to produce dense parts. In this study, samples of Alloy 247LC were manufactured by L-PBF, several of which could be produced with voids and crack density close to zero. A statistical design of experiments was used to evaluate the influence of the process parameters, namely laser power, scanning speed, and hatch distance (inherent to the volumetric energy density) on void formation, crack density, and microhardness of the samples. The window of process parameters, in which minimum voids and/or cracks were present, was predicted. It was shown that the void content increased steeply at a volumetric energy density threshold below 81 J/mm3. The crack density, on the other hand, increased steeply at a volumetric energy density threshold above 163 J/mm3. The microhardness displayed a relatively low value in three samples which displayed the lowest volumetric energy density and highest void content. It was also observed that two samples, which displayed the highest volumetric energy density and crack density, demonstrated a relatively high microhardness; which could be a vital evidence in future investigations to determine the fundamental mechanism of cracking. The laser power was concluded to be the strongest and statistically most significant process parameter that influenced void formation and microhardness. The interaction of laser power and hatch distance was the strongest and most significant factor that influenced the crack density. © 2020 by the authors.

This paper reviews state of the art laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) manufacturing of γ′ nickel-based superalloys. L-PBF resembles welding; therefore, weld-cracking mechanisms, such as solidification, liquation, strain age, and ductility-dip cracking, may occur during L-PBF manufacturing. Spherical pores and lack-of-fusion voids are other defects that may occur in γ′-strengthened nickel-based superalloys manufactured with L-PBF. There is a correlation between defect formation and the process parameters used in the L-PBF process. Prerequisites for solidification cracking include nonequilibrium solidification due to segregating elements, the presence of liquid film between cells, a wide critical temperature range, and the presence of thermal or residual stress. These prerequisites are present in L-PBF processes. The phases found in L-PBF-manufactured γ′-strengthened superalloys closely resemble those of the equivalent cast materials, where γ, γ′, and γ/γ′ eutectic and carbides are typically present in the microstructure. Additionally, the sizes of the γ′ particles are small in as-built L-PBF materials because of the high cooling rate. Furthermore, the creep performance of L-PBF-manufactured materials is inferior to that of cast material because of the presence of defects and the small grain size in the L-PBF materials; however, some vertically built L-PBF materials have demonstrated creep properties that are close to those of cast materials.© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Microstructures of material conditions of nickel-based superalloy Alloy 247LC fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) were investigated. Experiments designed in a prior study revealed the L-PBF process parameters for which the material conditions displayed a reduced susceptibility to cracking. Certain process parameters produced material conditions with an increased susceptibility to cracking. In this study, the material conditions were investigated in detail to reveal their microstructure and to determine the cause of cracking. The reason for the transition between a reduced to an increased susceptibility to cracking was examined. The results revealed solidification cracking occurred at high-angle grain boundaries. Solidification cracking may have been promoted at high-angle grain boundaries because of the undercooling contribution of the grain boundary energy. Furthermore, Si segregation was observed in the cracks. Thus, the presence of Si most likely promoted solidification cracking. It was observed that a high crack density, which occurred in the high energy density material condition, was associated with a large average grain size. The fact that certain combination of process parameters produced microstructures with a low susceptibility to cracking, indicates that reliable Alloy 247LC material may be printed using L-PBF by employing improved process parameters. © 2022

Alloy 247LC is sensitive to cracking during laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) manufacturing. Post processing is thus required to close cracks and achieve desired properties. In this study, samples of Alloy 247LC were manufactured by PBF-LB and subsequently post processed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP), HIP + solution and ageing heat treatments. The microstructure was characterized. Results showed cracks in the as-built condition. Cracks were not detected after HIP. Bright microconstituents were observed in the region between the cells, mainly, because of the partitioning of Hf and Ta into the intercellular region, where they presumably form carbides. What is assumed to be oxides were prominent in the microstructure. Thermodynamic calculations showed rapid formation of ?’ precipitates in the alloy, due to the high total concentration of Al and Ta and this was linked to the high hardness values in the as-built condition. © 2019 MS&T19®

Atom probe tomography (APT) was utilized to supplement scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizationof a precipitation strengthening nickel-based superalloy, Alloy 247LC, processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). It was observed that the material in the as-built condition had a relatively high strength. Using both SEMand APT, it was concluded that the high strength was not attributed to the typical precipitation strengtheningeffect of γ’. In the absence of γ’ it could be reasonably inferred that the numerous black dots observed in thecells/grains with SEM were dislocations and as such should be contributing significantly to the strengthening.Thus, the current investigation demonstrated that relatively high strengthening can be attained in L-PBF even inthe absence of precipitated γ’. Even though γ’ was not precipitated, the APT analysis displayed a nanometer scalepartitioning of Cr that could be contributing to the strengthening. After heat-treatment, γ’ was precipitated and itdemonstrated the expected high strengthening behavior. Al, Ta and Ti partitioned to γ’. The strong partitioningof Ta in γ’ is indicative that the element, together with Al and Ti, was contributing to the strain-age crackingoccurring during heat-treatment. Cr, Mo and Co partitioned to the matrix γ phase. Hf, Ta, Ti and W were found inthe carbides corroborating previous reports that they are MC. 

In this study, Alloy 247LC samples were built with different laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process parameters. The samples were then subjected to solution heat treatment at 1260 °C for 2 h. The grain size of all the samples increased significantly after the heat treatment. The relationship between the process parameters and grain size of the samples was investigated by performing a design of experiment analysis. The results indicated that the laser power was the most significant process parameter that influenced the grain height and aspect ratio. The laser power also significantly influenced the grain width. The as-built and as-built + heat-treated samples with high, medium, and low energy densities were characterized using a field emission gun scanning electron microscope equipped with an electron backscatter diffraction detector. The micrographs revealed that the cells present in the as-built samples disappeared after the heat treatment. Isolated cases of twinning were observed in the grains of the as-built + heat-treated samples. The disappearance of cells, increase in the grain size, and appearance of twins suggested that recrystallization occurred in the alloy after the heat treatment. The occurrence of recrystallization was confirmed by analyzing the grain orientation spread of the alloy, which was lower and more predominantly <1° in the as-built + heat-treated conditions than in the as-built conditions. The microhardness of the as-built + heat-treated samples were high which was plausible because γ’ precipitates were observed in the samples. However, the L-PBF process parameters had a very low correlation with the microhardness of the as-built + heat-treated samples.

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the manufacturing of complex geometries,with beneficial mechanical properties in components used for aircraft and gas turbines applications. Alloy 247LC produced using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF)is susceptible to cracking during the production process and must be post-processed using hot isostatic pressing (HIP), in addition to solution heat treatment (ST) and ageing heat treatmentsto heal cracks and attain the desired properties.The purpose of this study is to investigate L-PBF Alloy 247LC in both its as-built and as-built + heat-treated states(HIP and HIP + ST + ageing). Cracks, and microhardness were mainly studied. Sections cut in the built direction and transverse to the built direction were investigated in all the conditions i.e. in as-built and heat-treated states. The grains in the Z-Y direction are columnar and orientated in the build direction, while the grains in the X-Y plane are equiaxed. During the heat-treatments of the samples, substantial grain growth occurred indicating recrystallization. The cracks density appeared to be higher in the X-Y plane compared to the Z-Y plane. Cracks were absent after HIP. The microhardness appearedto be higher in the Z-Y plane compared to the X-Y plane in both low and high indentation load. This indicates anisotropy. In addition, low indentation load produced higher microhardness than a higher indentation load. This was observed in both the X-Y and Z-Y planes. It was also observed in the as-built and heat-treated conditions. HIP conditions had lower microhardness values than both the as-built and HIP + ST + Aged conditions. Microhardness values in the as-built is similar to those of the HIP + ST + Aged conditionswhich suggests that γ' does exist in the as-built state.

Cutting forces and vibrations are essential parameters in the assessment of a cutting process. As the energy consumption in the machining process is directly affected by the magnitude of the cutting forces it is of vital importance to design cutting edges and select process conditions that will maintain high tool performance through reduced energy consumption. The vibrations are often the cause of poor results in terms of accuracy, low reliability due to sudden failures and bad environmental conditions caused by noise. The goal of this work is to find out how the cutting edge and cutting conditions affect the entry conditions of the machining operation. This is done utilizing experimental methods and appropriate theoretical approaches applied to the cutting forces and vibrations. The research was carried out through three main studies beginning with a force build-up analysis of the cutting edge entry into the workpiece in intermittent turning. This was followed by a second study, concentrated on modelling of the entry phase which has been explored through experiments and theory developed in the first study. The third part was focused on the influence of the radial depth of cut upon the entry of cutting edge into the workpiece in a face milling application. The methodology for the identification of unfavourable cutting conditions is also explained herein. Important insights into the force build-up process help addressing the correlation between the cutting geometries and the rise time of the cutting force. The influence of the nose radius for a given cutting tool and workpiece configuration during the initial entry is revealed. The critical angle i.e. the position of the face milling cutter that results in unfavourable entry conditions has been explained emphasizing the importance of the selection of cutting conditions. Finally, the theoretical methods utilized for the evaluation of the role of cutting edge geometry within entry phase dynamics has been explored. This has revealed the trends that are of interest for selection of cutting conditions and cutting edge design.

Intermittent machining is in general strongly related to the large impacts in the entry phase and related vibrations. The influence of the impact forces and vibrations on the cutting process is dependent on workpiece material, structural properties of the tool-workpiece system, cutting edge geometries and cutting parameters. Cutting forces adopt generally a periodic behaviour that gives rise to forced vibrations. In addition, self-induced vibrations may arise because of lowrigidity and insufficient damping in the tool-workpiece system at specific cutting parameters. The ability of the cutting tool to carry the loads during the entry phase and minimize the vibrations is often the key parameter for an effective machining operation.This research work is based on the experiments, analytical studies and modelling. It was carried out through six main studies beginning with a force build-up analysis of the cutting edge entry into the workpiece in intermittent turning. This was followed by a second study, concentrated on modelling of the entry phase which has partly been explored through experiments and theory developed in the first study.

The third part was focused on the influence of the radial depth of cut upon the entry of the cutting edge into the workpiece in a face milling application. The methodology for the identification of unfavourable radial depth of cut is also addressed herein. Next, effects of the cutting edge on the vibrations in an end milling application were investigated. This study was related to a contouring operation with the maximum chip thickness in the entry phase when machining steel, ISO P material.

The results of this work provide some general recommendations when milling this type of workpiece material. After that, the focus was set on the dynamic cutting forces in milling. The force developments over a tooth engagement in milling showed to be strongly dependent on the cutting edge geometry. A significant difference between highly positive versus highly negative geometry was found.

The implication of this phenomena on the stress state in the cutting edge and some practical issues were analysed. Finally, the role of the helix angle on the dynamic response of a workpiece was investigated. The modelling technique using force simulation and computation of the dynamic response by means of modal analysis was presented. Extensive experimental work was conducted to compare the modelling and experimentally obtained results. The modelling results showed a similar trend as the experimental results. The influence of helix angle on the cutting forces and the dynamic response was explained in detail.The research conducted in this work contributes to the deeper understanding of the influence of the cutting edge geometry and the cutting parameters on the force build up process during the entry phase. The presented studies investigate the force magnitudes, force rates and dynamic behaviour of the tools and workpieces when machining at the challenging entry conditions. The methodologies applied are focused on the physical quantities as forces and vibrations rather than the experimental studies that evaluate tool life. The methods and results of the research work are of great interest for the design of the cutting tools and optimization of the cutting processes.

The choice of milling cutter geometry and appropriate cutting data for certain milling application is of vital importance for successful machining results. Unfavourable selection of cutting conditions might give rise to high load impacts that cause severe cutting edge damage. The radial depth of cut in combination with milling cutter geometry might under some circumstances give unfavourable entry conditions in terms of cutting forces and vibration amplitudes. This phenomenon originates from the geometrical features that affect the rise time of the cutting edge engagement into work piece at different radial depths of cut. As the radial depth of cut is often an important parameter, particularly when machining difficult to cut materials, it is important to explore the driving mechanism behind vibrations generation. In this study, acceleration of the work piece is measured for different radial depths of cut and cutting edge geometries. The influence of the radial depth of cut on the dynamical behaviour is evaluated in time and frequency domains. The results for different radial depths of cut and cutting geometries are quantified using root mean square value of acceleration. The outcome of this research study can be used both for the better cutting data recommendations and improved tool design.

The choice of milling cutter geometry and appropriate cutting data for certain milling application is of vital importance for successful machining results. Unfavorable selection of cutting conditions might give rise to high load impacts that cause severe cutting edge damage. Under some circumstances the radial depth of cut in combination with milling cutter geometry might give unfavorable entry conditions in terms of cutting forces and vibration amplitudes. This phenomenon is originated from the geometrical features that affect the rise time of the cutting edge engagement into workpiece at different radial depths of cut. As the radial depth of cut is often an important parameter, particularly when machining difficult-to-cut materials, it is important to explore the driving mechanism behind vibrations generation. In this study, acceleration of the workpiece is measured for different radial depths of cut and cutting edge geometries. The influence of the radial depth of cut on the dynamical behavior is evaluated in time and frequency domains. The results for different radial depths of cut and cutting geometries are quantified using the root mean square value of acceleration. The outcome of this research study can be used both for the better cutting data recommendations and improved tool design.

The ability to minimize vibrations in milling by the selection of cutting edge geometry and appropriate cutting conditions is an important asset in the optimization of the cutting process. This paper presents a measurement method and a signal processing technique to characterize and quantify the magnitude of the vibrations in an end milling application. Developed methods are then used to investigate the effects of various cutting edge geometries on vibrations in end milling. The experiments are carried out with five cutting edge geometries that are frequently used in machining industry for a wide range of milling applications. The results show that a modest protection chamfer combined with a relatively high rake angle has, for the most of cutting conditions, a reducing effect on vibration magnitudes. Furthermore, dynamics of a highly positive versus a highly negative cutting geometry is explored in time domain and its dependency on cutting conditions is presented. The results give concrete indications about the most optimal cutting edge geometry and cutting conditions in terms of dynamic behavior of the tool.

Understanding the influence of the cutting edge geometry on the development of cutting forces during the milling process is of high importance in order to predict the mechanical loads on the cutting edge as well as the dynamic behavior on the milling tool. The work conducted in this study involves the force development over the entire engagement of a flute in milling, from peak force during the entry phase until the exit phase. The results show a significant difference in the behavior of the cutting process for a highly positive versus a highly negative cutting edge geometry. The negative edge geometry gives rise to larger force magnitudes and very similar developments of the tangential and radial cutting force. The positive cutting edge geometry produces considerably different developments of the tangential and radial cutting force. In case of positive cutting edge geometry, the radial cutting force increases while the uncut chip thickness decreases directly after the entry phase; reaching the peak value after a certain delay. The radial force fluctuation is significantly higher for the positive cutting edge geometry. The understanding of such behavior is important for modelling of the milling process, the design of the cutting edge and the interactive design of digital applications for the selection of the cutting parameters.

In the intermittent turning and milling processes, during the entry phase the cutting edges are subjected to high impact loads that can give rise to dynamical and strength issues which in general cause tool life reduction. In this study the effect of geometrical features of the cutting tool on the force generation during the entry phase is investigated. Cutting forces are measured by a stiff dynamometer at a high sampling frequency. In addition, the chip load area is analyzed and related to the measured cutting force. The results show that micro-geometrical features, in particular the protection chamfer, significantly affect the force generation during the entry phase.

Alloy 718 manufactured via electron beam-powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) was coated with a thermally- sprayed NiCoCrAlY coating for enhanced oxidation protection. A high-velocity air fuel technique was used to deposit the coating. The specimens were then subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Oxidation of the specimens was undertaken in an ambient air environment at 650 and 800 °C for 168 h. The oxidation performance of EB-PBF-built Alloy 718 was improved after the deposition of the coating, particularly at 800 °C. In this temperature, a thick Cr-rich oxide scale was found on the uncoated Alloy 718 specimen, whereas a thin and stable Al-rich oxide scale was formed on the surface of the coated specimen. HIPing enhanced the oxidation resistance of uncoated Alloy 718; however, the oxidation behavior of coated Alloy 718 was negatively affected by HIPing. © 2020 The Authors

There is an upsurge of research interest on Alloy 718 additively manufactured (AM) by electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) technique in aero and land-based gas turbine engines. However, the surface quality hence the oxidation performance of the manufactured components is of great concern. Along with surface roughness resulted from partially melted powder particles, surface defects such as balls, satellites, microcracks as well as up-skin and down-skin surfaces can enhance the vulnerability of the manufactured parts to oxidation. When the surface is unable to withstand the exposed environment adequately, oxidation can be triggered. The surface-induced failures are increasingly becoming more challenging as the AM components often have complex geometries that render them even more difficult to finish. So, the relatively poor surface finish is the barrier to the full exploitation of the AM industry.

In the present study, a NiCoCrAlY coating deposited by high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) technique on EB-PBF manufactured Alloy 718 was investigated. The oxidation behavior of the parts was investigated in an ambient air environment at 650 and 800 °C for 168 h. The oxidation behavior of the coated samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS). The oxidation behavior of the parts was significantly improved after deposition of the thermal spray coating. The oxide scale formed on the surface of the EB-PBF Alloy 718 without the coating was rich in Cr and the oxide scale formed on the surface of the EB-PBF Alloy 718 with NiCoCrAlY coating was rich in Al.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are applied on the surface of hot parts of gas turbine engines to increase the turbine efficiency by providing thermal insulation and also to protect the engine parts from the harsh environment. To maximize these benefits, the TBC must remain intact to the underlying metallic gas turbine components through the life of the gas turbine engines. Typical degradation of TBCs can be attributed to bond coat oxidation, thermal stress etc. In addition to this, erosion can also lead to partial or complete removal of the TBCs especially when the engine operates under erosive environment such as flying over desert area, near active volcanic or offshore ocean environment. Therefore, erosion is also acknowl-edged as a significant life-limiting factor for TBCs. Suspension plasma spray (SPS) is a rela-tively new technique capable of producing coatings with lamellar/vertically cracked and co-lumnar microstructures. Moreover, SPS is a cheaper process compared with Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD) which is a well-known commercial technique to produce columnar TBCs. This work aims to study the effect of microstructure produced by SPS on the erosion performance of TBCs. Six different suspensions of 8 wt. % Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) ceramic powder with distinct suspension characteristics such as solid load, solvent type and particle size distribution were used to spray six different TBCs using an identical bond coat and substrate. The as-sprayed TBCs were subjected to an air jet erosion test at room temperature, and their erosion resistance was compared. It was found that the total porosity content in the coating was the most predominant factor influencing the erosion performance of the coatings. Moreover, vertically cracked coatings resulted in low total po-rosity which in turn lead to high erosion resistance. This result was also supported by one of the columnar coatings which had the lowest porosity and highest erosion resistance as com-pared to other columnar coatings. Therefore, it is recommended to produce a columnar coating with lower porosity content for SPS TBCs.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are applied on the surface of hot parts of gas turbine engines to increase the turbine efficiency by providing thermal insulation and to protect the engine parts from the harsh environment. Typical degradation of TBCs can be attributed to bond coat oxidation, thermal stress etc. In addition to this, erosion can also lead to partial or complete removal of the TBCs especially when the engine operates under erosive environment such as flying over desert area, near active volcanic or offshore ocean environment. Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS) is a promising technique for TBC applications by virtue of its ability to produce a strain-tolerant porous-columnar microstructure that combines the benefits of both electron beam physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) as well as atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) coatings. This work investigates the influence of various coating microstructures produced by SPS on their erosion behavior. Six different coatings with varied microstructures produced using different suspensions with distinct characteristics were studied and their erosion resistance was compared. Results showed significant influence of SPS TBCs microstructures on the erosion resistance. Furthermore, the erosion resistance of SPS TBCs showed a close correlation between fracture toughness and the erosion rate, higher fracture toughness favours superior erosion resistance. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.

Electron beam powder bed fusion (EBPBF) is a beneficial processing route to fabricate Ti6Al4V alloy for aerospace applications due to its relatively low lead time and the possibility of topology optimization. The dry sliding wear behavior of EBPBF-Ti6Al4V against steel- and alumina-counterballs from room temperature (RT) to 500 °C was investigated to evaluate the influence of EBPBF processing and microstructure on the wear properties for broadening the application criteria of this lightweight alloy. The wear tests revealed that the wear rate decreased with increasing temperature due to formation of stable oxide glaze layer. This study reveals elevated temperature sliding wear behavior, wear mechanisms and microstructural changes below the wear track of EBPBF Ti6Al4V alloy against steel and alumina counterbodies. 

The paper presents an investigation regarding the potential and the readiness for implementing performance indicators and performance measurement systems of the process planning work for metal working companies. The paper is based on a questionnaire survey distributed to process planners in the Swedish metal working industry. The main outcome of the investigation is a foundation for understanding the implementation of performance measures of the process planning work for CNC machining. The survey revealed a few strengths and short comings in the studied companies.

Process planning is the link between design and manufacturing and consequently an important function, since it influences many of the company objectives. However, many companies have little knowledge about their process planning function and the efficiency is thus not optimal. The paper focuses on the automation level of process planning as a mean to improve process planning efficiency. Six CNC machining companies was interviewed and accordingly analysed through a five dimensional automation level model to understand their process planning work. The main findings are that the automation level is low and concurrent engineering is lacking in many of the investigated companies.

The role of process planning as an enabler for cost efficient and environmentally benign CNC machining is investigated in the paper. Specific energy is used as the principal indicator of energy efficient machining and different methods to calculate and estimate this is exemplified and discussed. The interrelation between process planning decisions and production outcome is sketched and process capability can be considered as one factor of green machining. A correlation between total machining cost and total energy use was shown for an experimental case. However, to generalise conclusions, the importance of having reliable data during process planning to make effective decisions should not be underestimated.

Process planning of CNC machining is critical to ensure cost, time and quality parameters of manufacturing operations. At the heart of process planning is, typically the process planner, who must make a multitude of decisions regarding machines, cutting strategies, tools and process parameters etc. Today there are a number of different tools and methods available to aid the process planner. This paper explores today’s industrial use of some of these aids and outlinespotential underlying reasons for the current state. The empirical data is based on a questionnaire survey of Swedish CNC machining sub-contractors. The main conclusion is that despite a long history of development of various aids (CAD/CAM, PLM standards etc.) there is still a large proportion of the industry, which has not yet adopted these aids. By the responding companies 32% do not use any CAM system and only 2% use a PLM system. On the other side of the spectrum is a group of 25% that uses CAM in 75% or more of their planned products. The learning from this survey can be used to better understand the industrial needs and focus research and development efforts.

This article presents a brief state of the art in the Swedish metal working industry regarding the production preparation process for the machine centre. The article is based on a relationship model from which a questionnaire was developed. The model incorporates the perceived preparation process efficiency, the amount of systematic preparation work, in relation to the companies’ premises as possible causes. The investigation is based on a general hypothesis that a more systematic approach in the preparation process leads to higher preparation process efficiency. This hypothesis was supplemented by two more hypotheses and additional analyses to create an understanding of the situation. The main finding in this investigation is that there appear to be no relationship between increased  ystematic preparation work and perception of higher preparation efficiency. The investigation also indicates that many metal working companies have little knowledge about the performance of their preparation process and that there is an efficiency improvement potential of nearly 30%.

Increasing environmental demands from governmental bodies and customers stress the importance of companies improving their environmental performance. The research presented here shows that productivity and cost efficiency improvements can be achieved alongside energy savings in a computer numerically controlled machining environment. This improves the profitability of the companies, but also leads them towards more sustainable and environmentally aware manufacturing; the relationship between machining parameters, machining costs, and energy consumption is evaluated. From this perspective, it is important that production planners etc. understand the methodological possibilities for improvements in cost and energy efficiency. The current research is based on a machining cost model and experiments where energy consumption and tool wear were monitored.

Specialty alloys are a broad group of materials providing superior properties to common materials and are therefore used for more demanding applications. Specialty alloys require sophisticated manufacturing routes, e.g., vacuum metallurgy, to account for all the alloying elements needed to finalize the specific alloy for its intended purpose. The alloys of Duplex stainless steels, superalloys, and Titanium alloys are examples of so-called specialty alloys where aerospace, chemical, and petrochemical industries are just a few areas mentioned where these specialty alloys are frequently used. Duplex stainless steel, had superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making them a sustainable choice for a wide variety of applications i.e., petrochemical industries. The superalloys, and especially the precipitation hardening ones belong to a unique plethora of alloys commonly used in aerospace as well as land-based gas turbines which possess superb mechanical performance at elevated temperatures. However, the superalloys are unfortunately very challenging to process, not at least regarding weld cracking. With their high specific strength and corrosion resistance, titanium alloys are favorable for numerous applications. However, they react readily with oxygen at elevated temperatures and therefore inert atmosphere must be used during welding. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The alloy Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo is a titanium alloy for elevated temperatures often used in aerospace applications. Minor additions of silicon have proven to improve the creep resistance of this alloy. In this work, three different amounts of silicon (0.015, 0.07 and 0.162 wt% Si) were added to cast Ti-6242 and creep tests were performed at different temperatures and loads. Creep resistance increased significantly with silicon addition by means of silicide precipitation hindering dislocations movement. Silicon rich nanoparticles in the microstructure were detected and their effect on creep resistance was investigated. The instruments used in this study were light optical microscope (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Fabrication of Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) with higher lifetime and relatively cheaper processes is of particular interest for gas turbine applications. Suspension Plasma Spray (SPS) is capable of producing coatings with porous columnar structure, and it is also a much cheaper process compared to the conventionally used Electron Beam Physical Vapour Dep-osition (EB-PVD). Although TBCs fabricated using SPS have lower thermal conductivity as compared to other commonly used processes, they are still not commercialized due to their poor lifetime expectancy.

Lifetime of TBCs is highly influenced by the top coat microstructure. The objective of this work was to study and evaluate the top coat microstructure produced using axial SPS with different process parameters. 8 wt. % Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) suspension with 25 % solid load in ethanol was used to spray the top coat. The bond coat was deposited on Has-telloy-X substrates using a NiCoCrAlY powder by High Velocity Air Fuel (HVAF) spray with same process parameters. Influence of the microstructure on lifetime of the coatings was of particular interest in this work. The coating microstructure was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and it was observed that axial SPS is capable of producing TBCs with varied top coat microstructure from highly porous to densely packed columnar microstructure. The lifetime of the coatings was determined by Thermal Cyclic Fatigue (TCF) testing and Burner Rig Testing (BRT). Porosity and Thermal conductivity of the coat-ings was determined by Image Analysis and Laser Flash Analysis (LFA) respectively.

From the results obtained, it can be concluded that axial SPS could be a promising method of producing TBCs with low thermal conductivity & high lifetime for high temperature gas turbine applications.

Gray cast iron (GCI) is a popular automotive brake disc material by virtue of its high melting point as well as excellent heat storage and damping capability. GCI is also attractive because of its good castability and machinability, combined with its cost-effectiveness. Although several lightweight alloys have been explored as alternatives in an attempt to achieve weight reduction, their widespread use has been limited by low melting point and high inherent costs. Therefore, GCI is still the preferred material for brake discs due to its robust performance. However, poor corrosion resistance and excessive wear of brake disc material during service continue to be areas of concern, with the latter leading to brake emissions in the form of dust and particulate matter that have adverse effects on human health. With the exhaust emission norms becoming increasingly stringent, it is important to address the problem of brake disc wear without compromising the braking performance of the material. Surface treatment of GCI brake discs in the form of a suitable coating represents a promising solution to this problem. This paper reviews the different coating technologies and materials that have been traditionally used and examines the prospects of some emergent thermal spray technologies, along with the industrial implications of adopting them for brake disc applications. © 2019 by the authors.

Suspension plasma spray (SPS) is capable of producing coatings with porous columnar structure, and it is also a much cheaper process compared to the conventionally used electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD). Although TBCs with a columnar microstructure that are fabricated using SPS have typically lower thermal conductivity than EB-PVD, they are used sparingly in the aerospace industry due to their lower fracture toughness and limited lifetime expectancy. Lifetime of TBCs is highly influenced by the topcoat microstructure. The objective of this work was to study the TBCs produced using axial SPS with different process parameters. Influence of the microstructure on lifetime of the coatings was of particular interest, and it was determined by thermal cyclic fatigue testing. The effect of sintering on microstructure of the coatings exposed to high temperatures was also investigated. Porosity measurements were taken using image analysis technique, and thermal conductivity of the coatings was determined by laser flash analysis. The results show that axial SPS is a promising method of producing TBCs having various microstructures with good lifetime. Changes in microstructure of topcoat due to sintering were seen evidently in porous coatings, whereas dense topcoats showed good resistance against sintering.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining popularity due to the increased demands for the production of complex geometries and difficult-to-machine components. The increasing trend of AM focuses more on high-temperature applications in the field of aerospace, automotive, power generation, etc. In high-temperature applications, the material often needs to be resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Alloy 718 is a promising material because of its better properties at elevated temperatures. Recently alloy 718 based parts have been manufactured by the electron beam powder bed fusion (EBPBF) process. Different post-processes such as shot peening (SP) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) were used to improve the properties of the AM-built samples. As an alternative method to post-processing, NiCoCrAlY coating was thermal sprayed on the AM-built samples.

The present study explores the effect of the different processing methods on the mechanical and functional properties of the coatings . Post-processes help reduce the roughness of AM components due to the peening effect during SP and temperature and pressure during HIP. The shot peening was responsible for increasing the hardness near the coating-substrate interface while HIP reduces the hardness due to grain coarsening and dissolution of strengthening phases. The NiCoCrAlY coating was deposited on the sample by a high-velocity air fuel process. Coated AP, SP3 and HIP samples showed better adhesion strength because of mechanical interlocking between coating and substrate. The coating acts as a protective layer by forming oxide scale (Cr and Al oxides) and helps to protect the substrate from corrosion and oxidation. The shot peening was responsible for reducing the erosion rate in uncoated samples, while the coated sample showed similar behavior.

The present study explores the effect of post-process on the coating microstructure and other properties. The AM-produced sample does not require post processes before spraying a coating. Thermal spraying on AM parts is beneficial for improving properties. 

The influence of keyhole TIG (K-TIG) welding parameters on the weld geometry and defects of a new Co-lean nickel-based superalloy G27 was studied, and the microstructures of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ) of the K-TIG-welded Alloy G27 were characterized. No cracks are found in the FZ and HAZ. Minimum weld width and face underfill statistically were significantly influenced by travel speed and interaction current*travel speed. Root excess weld metal was only significantly influenced by travel speed. Face excess weld metal was significantly influenced by all the factors, including their interaction. On the other hand, all the factors, including their interaction, did not significantly influence the average pore diameter. In the FZ microstructure, interdendritic microconstituents are identified as (Nb, Ti)C particles and γ/Laves eutectic constituents. In addition, a plate-like phase is observed surrounding the Laves phase, and γʹ precipitates are found to be inhomogeneously precipitated in the FZ. In the partially melted zone (PMZ), (Nb, Ti)C, Laves phase, γʹ precipitates, and plate-like particles are found in the liquated and resolidified regions, suggesting the solidification behavior in PMZ is likely to follow a similar pattern to the one observed in FZ.

Flexible human-robot industrial coproduction will be important in many small and middle-sized companies in the future. One of the major challenges in a flexible robot cell is how to transfer information between the human and the robot with help of existing and safety approved equipment. In this paper a case study will be presented where the first half focus on data transfer to the robot communicating the human's position and movements forcing the robot to respond to the triggers. The second half focuses on how to visualize information about the settings and assembly order to the human. The outcome was successful and flexible, efficient coproduction could be achieved but also a number of new challenges were found.

Electrophoretically deposited (EPD) nickel and its composite coatings are widely used to enhance the life span of continuous ingot casting molds in the steel, aerospace and automotive industries. This article reports the effect of different concentrations of diamond particles (2.5–10 g/L) on the wear mechanism of EPD Ni. The distribution of diamond particles in the Ni matrix was observed using Voronoi tessellation. Variation in COF was observed by a fretting wear test to be 0.51 ± 0.07 for Ni, which decreases to 0.35 ± 0.03 for the Ni-diamond coatings. The wear volume of the coatings with 7.5 g/L concentration of diamond was observed to be a minimum (0.051 ± 0.02 × 10−3 mm3) compared with other composite coatings. Further, the micro-scratch testing of the coatings also exhibited a reduced COF (0.03–0.12) for 7.5 g/L diamond concentration compared with Ni (0.08–0.13). Higher wear resistance of the diamond-added coatings (optimum 7.5 g/L concentration) is due to the balance between the dispersion strengthening mechanism and the enhancement of the load-bearing capacity due to the incorporation of diamond particles. Thus, these composites can be used for applications in automotive and aerospace industries. © 2016 The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 or CIGS absorber layers are a promising candidate for thin film solar cells, with efficiency exceeding 22% having already been demonstrated at the cell level and their commercialization been ramped up. Scribing by selective ablation to achieve monolithic integration is an essential step in CIGS module making to divide a large area cell into a series of inter-connected smaller cells. P1 scribing or electrical isolation of back contact is an essential part of the monolithic integration. Laser-induced scribing of Molybdenum (Mo) back contact of a CIGS solar cell is highly sensitive to process parameters like laser power, pulse duration, and pulse repetition frequency. The above parameters control the scribe width, heat affected zone and process residue directly or indirectly, thereby affecting electrical isolation and module performance. Influence of laser process parameters on scribing of a bilayer Mo thin film back contact has been investigated and is being reported. The scribes obtained employing various laser conditions were characterized for electrical isolation and analyzed by optical microscopy followed by profilometry. High-quality scribing, with a scribe width of 53 μm over a length of 300 mm, was achieved on a bilayer Mo thin film sputtered on a Soda lime glass substrate.

Driven by sustainability and cost considerations, there is growing interest in power generation utilizing renewable sources, especially biomass and waste. While premature degradation of power plant components due to corrosion is well-known, erosion can be a dominant damage mechanism in plants that use “pure” biomass with less corrosive elements like Cl, K, etc. Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) parts are prone to erosion-driven damage and demand periodic re-protection or replacement. In response to the above, this preliminary study evaluates a selection of complex carbide-based coatings to enhance protection against erosion to prolong service life of boiler components. Recognizing on-site coating requirements of real boiler applications, a specific focus is on evaluating performance of a hand-held high-velocity air-fuel (HVAF) spray gun and compare it with the current state-of-the-art high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) deposition. Coatings developed by the above routes have been characterized with microstructural analyses, and their performance evaluated and ranked in an air-jet erosion rig at various impact angles.

Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D Printing, is a disruptive modern manufacturing process, in which parts are manufactured in a layer-wise fashion. Among the metal AM processes, Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) technology has opened up a design space that was not formerly accessible with conventional manufacturing processes. It is, now, possible to manufacture complex geometries, such as topology-optimized structures, lattice structures and intricate internal channels, with relative ease. PBF is comprised of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processes.

Though AM processes offer several advantages, the suitability of these processes to replace conventional manufacturing processes must be studied in detail; for instance, the capability to produce components of consistent quality. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the AM process together with the post treatment used and the resulting microstructure and its influence on the mechanical properties is crucial, to enable manufacturing of high-performance components. In this regard, for AM built Alloy 718, only a limited amount of work has been performed compared to conventional processes such as casting and forging. The aim of this work, therefore, is to understand how the fatigue properties of EBM and SLM built Alloy 718, subjected to different thermal post-treatments, is affected by the microstructure. In addition, the effect of as-built surface roughness is also studied.

Defects can have a detrimental effect on fatigue life. Numerous factors such as the defect type, size, shape, location, distribution and nature determine the effect of defects on properties. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) improves fatigue life as it leads to closure of most defects. Presence of oxides in the defects, however, hinders complete closure by HIP. Machining the as-built surface improves fatiguelife; however, for EBM manufactured material, the extent of improvement is dependent on the amount of material removed. The as-built surface roughness, which has numerous crack initiation sites, leads to lower scatter in fatigue life. In both SLM and EBM manufactured material, fatigue crack propagation is transgranular. Crack propagation is affected by grain size and texture of the material.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive modern manufacturing process in which parts are manufactured in a layer-wise fashion. Among the metal AM processes, Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) technology — comprised of Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) and Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (LB-PBF) —has opened up a design space that was formerly unavailable with conventionalmanufacturing processes. PBF processes offer several advantages; however, thesuitability of these processes to replace the conventional processes must be investigatedin detail. Therefore, understanding the AM process – post-processing –microstructure – property relationships is crucial for the manufacturing of high performance components. In this regard, only limited work has been done towards understanding the fatigue behaviour of PBF Alloy 718. The aim of this work, therefore, is to understand how the fatigue behaviour of PBF Alloy 718 is affected by its microstructure. Besides, the influence of the rough as-built surface is also investigated. In general, the <100> fibre texture along the build direction that resulted from PBF processing of Alloy 718 led to anisotropy in Young's modulus. Consequently,the fatigue performance under controlled amplitudes of strain was anisotropic such that the low-modulus direction had longer fatigue life and vice versa. This texture-induced elasticity-dependent anisotropic strain-life behaviour couldbe normalized by the pseudo-elastic stress vs fatigue life approach.Inclusions and defects had a detrimental effect on fatigue performance. Numerousfactors, such as their geometry, volume fraction, and distribution, determinedthe effect on fatigue behaviour. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) eliminated most defect sand led to an improvement in fatigue performance. However, HIP did not alter the inclusions, which acted as crack initiation sites and reduced fatigue life. The rough as-built surface, which had numerous notch-like crack initiation sites, deteriorated fatigue performance; however, it lowered the scatter in fatigue life. Machining off the as-built surface improved fatigue life but increased the scatter.

Additive manufacturing of Alloy 718 has become a popular subject of research in recent years. Understanding the process-microstructure-property relationship of additively manufactured Alloy 718 is crucial for maturing the technology to manufacture critical components. Fatigue behaviour is a key mechanical property that is required in applications such as gas turbines. Therefore, in the present work, low cycle fatigue behaviour of Alloy 718 manufactured by laser beam powder bed fusion process has been investigated. The material was tested in as-built condition as well as after two different thermal post-treatments. Three orientations with respect to the building direction were tested to evaluate the anisotropy. Testing was performed at room temperature under controlled amplitudes of strain. It was found that defects, inclusions, strengthening precipitates, and Young’s modulus influence the fatigue behaviour under strain-controlled conditions. The strengthening precipitates affected the deformation mechanism as well as the cycle-dependent hardening/softening behaviour. The defects and the inclusions had a detrimental effect on fatigue life. The presence of Laves phase in LB-PBF Alloy 718 did not have a detrimental effect on fatigue life. Young’s modulus was anisotropic and it contributed to the anisotropy in strain-life relationship. Pseudo-elastic stress vs. fatigue life approach could be used to handle the modulus-induced anisotropy in the strain-life relationship. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

A study of the microstructure of additively manufactured Alloy 718 was performed in order to better understand the parameters that have an influence on the fatigue properties of the material. The specimens were manufactured using two powder bed fusion techniques – Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Four point bending fatigue tests were performed at room temperature with a stress ratio of R = 0.1 and 20 Hz frequency, on material that was either in hot isostatically pressed (HIP) and solution treated and aged (STA) condition or in STA condition without a prior HIP treatment. The grains in the SLM material in the HIP + STA condition have grown considerably both in the hatch and the contour regions; EBM material, in contrast, shows grain growth only in the contour region. Fractographic analysis of the specimens in HIP + STA condition showed a faceted appearance while the specimens in STA condition showed a more planar crack appearance. The crack propagation occurred in a transgranular mode and it was found that precipitatessuch as NbC, TiN or δ-phase, when present, did not affect the crack path. The areas with larger grains corresponded to the faceted appearance of the fracture surface. This could be attributed to the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip being confined within one grain, in case of the larger grains, which promotes single shear crack growth mode

Electron beam melting (EBM) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are powder bed based additive manufacturing (AM) processes. These, relatively new, processes offer advantages such as near net shaping, manufacturing complex geometries with a design space that was previously not accessible with conventional manufacturing processes, part consolidation to reduce number of assemblies, shorter time to market etc. The aerospace and gas turbine industries have shown interest in the EBM and the SLM processes to enable topology-optimized designs, parts with lattice structures and part consolidation. However, to realize such advantages, factors affecting the mechanical properties must be well understood – especially the fatigue properties. In the context of fatigue performance, apart from the effect of different phases in the material, the effect of defects in terms of both the amount and distribution and the effect of “rough” as-built surface must be studied in detail. Fatigue properties of Alloy 718, a Ni-Fe based superalloy widely used in the aerospace engines is investigated in this study. Four point bending fatigue tests have been performed at 20 Hz in room temperature at different stress ranges to compare the performance of the EBM and the SLM material to the wrought material. The experiment aims to assess the differences in fatigue properties between the two powder bed AM processes as well as assess the effect of two post-treatment methods namely – machining and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Fractography and metallography have been performed to explain the observed properties. Both HIPing and machining improve the fatigue performance; however, a large scatter is observed for machined specimens. Fatigue properties of SLM material approach that of wrought material while in EBM material defects severely affect the fatigue life. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.

In this study, Alloy 718 specimens manufactured by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion process are subjected to two different post-treatments to have different microstructural features. Low cycle fatigue testing has been performed both parallel and transverse to the build direction. EB-PBF Alloy 718 exhibits anisotropic fatigue behaviour; the fatigue life is better along the parallel direction compared to the transverse direction. The anisotropy in fatigue life is related to the anisotropy in the Young’s modulus. The pseudo-elastic stress vs. fatigue life approach is presented as a potential solution to handle anisotropy in fatigue life assessment of additively manufactured engineering components. © 2020 The Authors

Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion process for Alloy 718 was investigated, in the sense of microstructural evolution with varying process conditions. The existence of a geometric relationship between the melt front and the processing parameters was observed. By understanding and capitalizing on this relationship, it was possible to obtain columnar, equiaxed or bimodal microstructure.

Alloy 718 finds application in gas turbine engine components, such as turbine disks, compressor blades and so forth, due to its excellent mechanical and corrosion properties at elevated temperatures. Electron beam melting (EBM) is a recent addition to the list of additive manufacturing processes and has shown the capability to produce components with unique microstructural features. In this work, Alloy 718 specimens were manufactured using the EBM process with a single batch of virgin plasma atomized powder. One set of as-built specimens was subjected to solution treatment and ageing (STA); another set of as-built specimens was subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP), followed by STA (and referred to as HIP+STA). Microstructural analysis of as-built specimens, STA specimens and HIP+STA specimens was carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Typical columnar microstructure, which is a characteristic of the EBM manufactured alloy, was observed. Hardness evaluation of the as-built, STA and HIP+STA specimens showed that the post-treatments led to an increase in hardness in the range of ~50 HV_1. Tensile properties of the three material conditions (as-built, STA and HIP+STA) were evaluated. Post-treatments lead to an increase in the yield strength (YS) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). HIP+STA led to improved elongation compared to STA due to the closure of defects but YS and UTS were comparable for the two post-treatment conditions. Fractographic analysis of the tensile tested specimens showed that the closure of shrinkage porosity and the partial healing of lack of fusion (LoF) defects were responsible for improved properties. Fatigue properties were evaluated in both STA and HIP+STA conditions. In addition, three surface conditions were also investigated, namely the 'raw' as-built surface, the machined surface with the contour region and the machined surface without the contour region. Machining off the contour region completely together with HIP+STA led to significant improvement in fatigue performance.