According to the US Department of Energy, researchers have successfully used neutron imaging to study stress effects in novel superalloys produced using laser-based 3D printing.
The alloys were produced using laser-based additive manufacturing, a process in which metal powder is formed layer by layer into complex components using a laser. The researchers then used neutrons to precisely analyze the internal structure of the printed metals. Using the VULCAN diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the MARS imaging instrument at ORNL‘s High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the distribution of residual lattice stresses was recorded in detail.
The investigation showed that targeted heat treatments can significantly reduce the stresses generated during the printing process. It was also found that the stress formation is more strongly influenced by the manufacturing parameters used, such as the laser processing time and the energy supply, than by the chemical composition of the metals.
These findings are helping to develop stronger and more advanced alloys that can also be produced more cost-effectively. Such improvements are essential for applications in extreme environments where material properties such as strength and heat resistance are crucial. By integrating the research results into additive manufacturing, more robust and efficient components can be produced in the future that meet the high demands of modern technologies.
The research results, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, represent an important step in the further development of additive manufacturing. They provide a solid foundation for future innovations in materials science and industrial production by optimizing the production of superalloys and expanding their range of applications.
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