Hybrid additive manufacturing of ER70S6 steel and Inconel 625: A study on microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

Hybrid Additive Manufacturing (HAM) is currently being explored because of its potential to achieve trade-off between build capacity and feature resolution. The present study aims at fabricating ER70S6-Inconel 625 (IN625) bimetallic clad using hybrid Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and Laser Directed Energy Deposition (LDED) processes. Microstructure evaluation was performed at the cross section of bimetallic clad for distinct materials as well as the interface. WAAM built ER70S6 revealed equiaxed ferritic grains, whereas laser deposited IN625 region showed columnar dendrites with under developed secondary arms. However, the first layer of IN625 exhibited columnar dendrite with secondary arms due to the influence of diffused Fe from the base ER70S6 steel under the action of concentrated laser heat source, which was revealed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) maps. The measured microhardness across the cross section of the deposit showed values corresponding to inherent material system. The interface did not reveal presence of any intermetallic phases which was confirmed by hardness results and X-Ray diffraction. Shear test revealed superior bond strength between the two materials, maintaining average strength of 452 MPa. The fractography images exhibited fine dimples along with cleavages indicating mixed fracture characteristics. This additive manufacturing method explores a new dimension in multi-material fabrication which, when customized for different materials, serve critical areas in the aerospace and defence sector. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd