Location-dependent microstructure analysis and mechanical behavior of inconel 625 using Cold Metal Transfer(CMT) based wire and arc additive manufacturing

Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing(WAAM) is an emerging economic fabrication method to produce com-ponents with complex features. Inconel 625 (IN625) is a nickel-based super alloy with high strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. A single-walled Inconel 625 part was fabricated using a cold metal transfer(CMT) based WAAM process. This study focuses on location-based microstructure and mechanical analysis of a WAAM-printed wall. Three regions were analyzed, i.e., Top, Bottom, and Middle. The results show that the grain morphology varies with different locations. The texture {001} <001> is identified as preferred grain orientation using Electron Backscatter Diffraction(EBSD) analysis. The X-Ray Diffraction(XRD) analysis depicts the variation in peak intensity for different samples, and the gamma-Ni FCC phase is only detected in all samples. The tensile strength is higher for the horizontal sample, and elongation is higher for the vertical sample. The microhardness values decrease with increasing height.

Automated summary

This study utilized Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to fabricate a single-walled Inconel 625 part and analyzed its location-based microstructure and mechanical properties. The findings revealed variations in grain morphology and orientation at different locations, with higher tensile strength in the horizontal sample and better elongation in the vertical sample.