Laser consolidation of waspalloy and IN-718 alloys for making net-shape functional parts for gas turbine applications Available to Purchase

Laser consolidation (LC) is a laser-cladding-based novel manufacturing process that produces net-shape functional components directly from a CAD model. As an alternative to conventional machining processes, the LC process builds complete net-shape functional parts or features on existing parts by adding instead of removing material. In this paper, laser consolidation of Waspaloy and IN-718 alloys is demonstrated. The LC process successfully built metallurgically sound Waspaloy and IN-718 alloy samples. The microstructures of as-consolidated and heat-treated LC Waspaloy and IN-718 materials were examined. Their tensile properties were evaluated and compared with reference data. In addition, several samples that are difficult to make using conventional manufacturing technologies were produced using LC process to demonstrate its capability.