Preliminary Process and Microstructure Examination of Flux-Cored Wire Arc Additive Manufactured 18Ni-12Co-4Mo-Ti Maraging Steel

The production of large-size elements using additive manufacturing is a constantly evolving field that includes technological and material solutions. There is a need for a detailed analysis of the process and the products thus manufactured. In line with this trend, the flux-cored wire arc additive manufactured process and the part made of 18Ni-12Co-4Mo-Ti maraging steel were examined. The interpass temperature below 150 & DEG;C, the variation of the starting point and the gas flow of 12 L/min with a pre-flow of 2 s ensure the correct shape of the layers. The manufactured part underwent chemical composition analysis, macro- and microscopic examination and hardness measurements; in addition thermodynamic calculations were performed. The part is divided into a light-etched area (bottom part of the sample) with a hardness of 375 & PLUSMN; 12 HV10 and a dark-etched area (top part of the sample) with a hardness of 525 & PLUSMN; 11 HV10. Microscopic observations in the last layers showed supersaturated martensite with primary precipitates of mu-phase intermetallic compounds in intercellular spaces. In the earlier layers aging martensite with austenite and primary precipitates of intermetallic compounds were revealed. The share of austenite was 11.435 & PLUSMN; 1.313%.

Automated summary

This study examined the flux-cored wire arc additive manufacturing process and a part made of 18Ni-12Co-4Mo-Ti maraging steel. The manufactured part underwent a detailed analysis including chemical composition, macro- and microscopic examination, and hardness measurements. The results showed layers with different characteristics and a variety of precipitates present in the microstructure.