Texture control during laser deposition of nickel-based superalloy

A nickel-based superalloy was deposited on a nickel-based superalloy substrate by a laser-aided direct metal deposition process. The age-hardening behavior of the as-deposited clad was studied. The effect of laser beam scanning pattern on dendrite growth morphology was investigated using electron backscatter diffraction. Unidirectional laser beam scanning pattern developed a fiber texture; conversely, a backward and forward scanning pattern developed a rotated cube texture in the deposit. This paper reports a route to produce texture-controlled laser clad on a polycrystalline substrate. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.