In Situ Observation of γ′ Phase Transformation Dynamics During Selective Laser Melting of CMSX-4

Additive manufacturing (AM) of superalloys has been attracting increasing interest. While most studies focus on the processability and mechanical properties of the finished product, it is also necessary to understand the phase transformations during the consecutive melting processes. Herein, the precipitation and dissolution of the gamma ' phase in the Ni-base superalloy CMSX-4 in a selective laser melting process is reported. These phase transformations are studied in situ by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) during AM. Concurrent wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) provides information on the evolution of lattice parameters and temperature during the process. Additional thermal and thermodynamic simulations are carried out to support the experiments. The investigations are focused on the influence of different beam scanning strategies as well as the effect of laser power and scanning speed on the phase transformation dynamics. Due to the high cooling and heating rates inherent to AM, phase transformations occur far off equilibrium. Both precipitation and dissolution of gamma ' phase are observed. The scan strategies are shown to have a considerable effect on the phase transformation dynamics, which exceed the impact of the beam parameters. The capability of combined SAXS and WAXS for the in situ study of phase transformations in AM processes is demonstrated.

Automated summary

The study reports on the precipitation and dissolution of the gamma ' phase in the Ni-base superalloy CMSX-4 during selective laser melting, investigated using in situ SAXS and WAXS techniques. Different beam scanning strategies, laser power, and scanning speed were found to have a considerable effect on the phase transformation dynamics.