Fatigue Performance and Impact Toughness of PBF-LB Manufactured Inconel 718

Abstract

This study investigates the fatigue performance and impact toughness of laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) manufactured Inconel 718. Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy known for its high-temperature properties. The PBF-LB process offers accuracy and the ability to produce parts with the final geometry, eliminating the need for expensive machining. These features make it an tempting material also for robotic applications, such as structural components or environments that have elevated temperature or are corrosive. However, the influence of heat treatment on the mechanical and dynamic properties of Inconel 718 is not yet fully understood. The study aims to characterize Inconel 718 specimens through tensile, impact, and fatigue testing, as well as microstructural analysis using Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The results will provide insights into the mechanical behavior of PBF-LB-manufactured Inconel 718, considering printing orientation, mechanical properties, and surface quality. The findings will contribute to the understanding of this material’s dynamic properties, crucial for the design and utilization of components produced through PBF-LB.