Microstructural investigation of as-fabricated and heat-treated Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 fabricated by direct metal laser sintering: contribution of Politecnico di Torino and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) di Torino

The present study focuses on the microstructural characteristics of as-fabricated and heat-treated nickel-based superalloys, specifically Inconel 625 and Inconel 718, produced via direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Given the growing applications of these superalloys in aerospace and aeronautic industries, this research was motivated by the need to understand and enhance the fabrication processes associated with these materials. The methodologies employed included analyzing the microstructural architectures and assessing the influence of varied heat treatments on the materials' microstructures. The results reveal critical insights into the microstructural behavior of Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 when subjected to DMLS and subsequently to different thermal treatments. This study contributes valuable knowledge to the field of additive manufacturing, particularly in optimizing production procedures to meet specific industrial requirements pertaining to nickel-based superalloys. The findings underscore the potential of DMLS as a viable solution for the efficient fabrication of complex components in advanced engineering applications.