Additive manufacturing of Ni-based superalloys: The outstanding issues

There is increasing interest in the use of additive manufacturing (AM) for Ni-based superalloys due to their various applications in the aerospace and power-generation sectors. Ni-based superalloys are known to have a complex chemistry, with over a dozen alloying elements in most alloys, enabling them to achieve outstanding high-temperature mechanical performance as well as oxidation resistance when processed using conventional routes (e.g., casting and forging). Nonetheless, this complex chemistry results in the formation of various phases that could affect their processability using AM, resulting in cracking. Furthermore, due to the directional solidification and rapid cooling associated with AM processes, the alloys experience significant anisotropy due to the epitaxially grown microstructure, as well as the residual stresses that can sometimes be difficult to mitigate using thermal postprocessing techniques. This article highlights the outstanding issues in Ni-based superalloys AM processing, with special emphasis on defect formation mechanisms, process optimization, and residual stress development.