On the Tensile Properties of Inconel 718 Fabricated by EBM for As-Built and Heat-Treated Components

Analysis of mechanical properties of Nickel-based superalloy (Inconel 718) components fabricated by additive manufacturing using electron beam melting is presented for two conditions: as-built and heat-treated, and for different sets of processing parameters. The average yield strength increased from 980 to 1180 MPa, and the ultimate strength increased from 1160 to 1350 MPa, while microhardness increased from 410 HV in the as-built condition to 470 HV in the heat-treated condition. However, the corresponding elongation at fracture decreased from 8.2 pct for the as-built components to 6.5 pct for heat-treated components. The mechanical behavior is mostly independent of the processing parameters applied, enabling achievement of higher built-up rates by means of higher scanning velocities.