Laser Metal Deposition of the Intermetallic TiAl Alloy

Laser metal deposition of the commercial intermetallic Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy was investigated. A large number of experiments were conducted under controlled atmosphere by changing the processing parameters to manufacture a series of beads, thin walls, and massive blocks. Optimal process parameters were successfully found to prevent cracking which is generally observed in this brittle material due to built-up residual stresses during fast cooling. These non-equilibrium cooling conditions tend to generate ultra-fine and metastable structures exhibiting high microhardness values, thus requiring post-heat treatments. The latter were successfully used to restore homogeneous lamellar or duplex microstructures and to relieve residual stresses. Subsequent tensile tests enabled us to validate the soundness and homogeneity of the Intermetallic TiAl alloy. Finally, a higher mechanical performance was achieved for the LMD material with respect to cast+HIP and EBM counterparts.