Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Potential Superalloys: A Review

The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technology involving a gradual build-on of layers to form a complete component according to a computer-aided design. The LPBF process boasts of manufacturing value-added parts with higher accuracy and complex geometries for the transport, aviation, energy, and biomedical industries. TiAl-based alloys and high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are two materials envisaged as potential replacements of nickel-based superalloys for high temperature structural applications. The success of these materials hinge on optimization and implementation of tailored microstructures through controlled processing and appropriate alloy manipulations that can promote and stabilize new microstructures. Therefore, it is important to understand the LPBF technique, and its associated microstructure-mechanical property relationships. This paper discusses the metallurgical sintering processes of LPBF, the effects of process parameters on densification, microstructures, and mechanical properties of LPBFed TiAl-based alloys and HEAs. This paper also, presents updates and future studies recommendations on the LPBFed TiAl-based alloys and HEAs.

Automated summary

LPBF technology can produce high-precision and complex geometric components, with TiAl-based alloys and HEAs seen as potential replacements for nickel-based superalloys in high temperature structural applications. Proper control and alloy manipulation are crucial for optimizing microstructures.