Product Code: ICA13_1201

Laser-Based Fabrication With Ti- and Ni-Base Superalloys
Authors:
Christoph Leyens, Fraunhofer IWS; Dresden Germany
Frank Brueckner, Fraunhofer Iws; Dresden Germany
Thomas Finaske, Fraunhofer Iws; Dresden Germany
Steffen Nowotny, Fraunhofer Iws; Dresden Germany
Eckhard Beyer, Fraunhofer Iws; Dresden Germany
Sebastian Thieme, Tu Dresden; Dresden Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2013

Meanwhile laser-based technology of direct metal deposition is a well industrially established technique for precise coating tasks and additive manufacturing. By means of precise nozzle systems, suitable process equipment as well as well customized manufacturing strategies, the fabrication of miniaturized, but even very large components becomes feasible. This includes the use of powder as well as wire for the added material.

Fostered by high demands, e. g. in the field of stationary gas turbines or jet engines, the state of the art has to be extended especially in the direction of lightweight fabrication as well as increased temperature performance of processed materials. However, from a materials perspective, these materials are often difficult to handle by liquid phase processing.

Due to their beneficial material properties to fulfill the high performance needs from the industry, titanium and nickel based superalloys have recently attracted considerable attention. Processing these materials, which are often characterized by a high brittleness and small process windows, is rather challenging and thus requires a customized laser-based fabrication process. The present paper shows recent advances to bring these materials into real applications through laser-based processing. This not only includes modifications of the laser process and the equipment itself, but also the support by hybrid processing, e. g. induction as well as closed loop process control.

The paper will also highlight the importance of indepth materials knowledge and processing understanding for highest quality 3D direct laser deposition.