Abstract:The microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 625 alloy fabricated by wire arc additive manufacturing process were evaluated under as-prepared and heat-treated conditions. A dendritic Ni-based solid solution phase along with (Nb,Ti)C carbide, Laves, and δ-Ni₃Nb secondary phases were developed in the microstructure of the as-prepared alloy. Solution heat treatment led to the dissolution of Laves and Ni₃Nb phases. In addition, dendrites were replaced with large columnar grains. Aging heat treatment resulted in the formation of grain boundary M₂₃C₆ carbide and nanometric γ'''''''' precipitates. Hardness, yield and tensile strengths, as well as elongation of the as-prepared part, were close to those of the cast alloy and its fracture occurred in a transgranular ductile mode. Solution heat treatment improved hardness and yield strength and declined the elongation, but it did not have a considerable impact on the tensile strength. Furthermore, aging heat treatment caused the tensile properties to deteriorate and changed the fracture to a mixture of transgranular ductile and intergranular brittle mode.

Key words: nickel alloys; additive manufacturing; direct energy deposition; heat treatment; microstructure