Influence of SLM-process parameters on the formation of the boundaries of parts of heat-resistant nickel alloy Inconel 718

Abstract

We consider the improvement is considered of the modes of selective laser melting technology based on the design model to reduce the level of residual stresses and prevent deviations in the geometry of the part. Simulation results are presented on a universal voxel structure and a simplified object to predict metal behavior depending on the specific energy density in the region of the boundaries of a metal part made of Inconel 718. An experiment was carried out to study the influence of different strategies and process modes on the curvature of parts as a result of the effect of residual stresses in order to minimize them. Printing was carried out on a 3-D printer "Alfa-150" (LLC "ALT Ukraine") at constant power (P, W) and distance between tracks (d, mm) in each zone (up-skin, down-skin, in - skin) with a change in the speed (V, mm / s) of the laser beam movement, as well as a different pattern of sample growth by 3-D printing with 67 degrees rotation of each new layer relative to the previous one. To identify defects and deviations from the original model to the solid (sample), metallographic analysis was performed using optical microscopy (Carl Zeiss AXIOVERT 200M). It was found that the simulation of printing processes, performed on the Magics platform by breaking the model into a voxel structure, allows an analytical assessment of stresses and strains. Analysis of the appearance of the prototypes showed that the best down-skin indicators are formed at a power of 80 W and a specific energy density (40 ... 38 J / mm3). By using the 67 degrees staggered printing strategy at the optimum specific energy density, it is possible to minimize the residual internal stresses leading to distortion of the product. In the future, the results can be supplemented by studies of the effect of residual stresses of compressive forces when exposed to a laser beam at constant applied power. Using a computational model that allows calculating the residual stresses during the deposition of the next layer, depending on the speed of the laser, the power and the distance between the applied tracks, it is possible to obtain high-precision parts with specified properties. The adaptation of the model, which allows us to obtain a quantitative estimate of the residual thermal stresses depending on the speed of movement and the laser power for the Inconel 718 heat-resistant alloy, has been carried out. Optimal modes have been determined to minimize these stresses and reduce the curvature of the part.