Results on laser direct manufacturing of graded materials

This article presents investigations carried out on the generation of Inconel 718-TA6V graded structures by laser direct manufacturing. First, we introduce the global context of the project in terms of advantages of DMP against conventional methods for generating graded structures. The study is roughly decomposed into two main tasks : the development of the specific procedure for ensuring a sound TA6V-Inco718 transition, and a few numerical results to provide data on the thermal process. Then, the main components of the cladding system are described with a particular attention on the coaxial nozzle and the instrumentation that will be used for controlling and monitoring the process parameters. The experiments are presented, with a detailed metallurgical analysis of the microstructures. These are used to select optimal parameters that will be acceptable candidates for the transitions zones. Finally, these parameters are applied, and results of transition zones are presented.