Microstructural And Mechanical Properties Of Selective Laser Melted Inconel 718 For Different Specimen Sizes

Selective laser melting (SLM) falls into the category of additive manufacturing technologies that are being increasingly used in the aerospace industry. This study presents the results of the examination of the microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted Inconel 718. The tests were carried out for samples of different geometry (thickness, shape). The investigation showed the effect of the specimen’s size and the printing direction on the microstructure and mechanical properties. In the microstructural investigation, light and scanning electron microscopes were used. The microstructure investigation included measurements of the grain size and the carbides’ content. In order to estimate porosity computer tomography was used. Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature. The results showed differences in mechanical and microstructural properties of different size specimens.