Microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of Inconel GH4169 superalloy fabricated by wire arc additive manufacturing with arc oscillation

Arc oscillation is an important process parameter that can significantly improve the quality of the deposition. However, the mechanism and characteristics of arc oscillation on the microstructure and mechanical properties are unclear during wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process. In this study, the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of GH4169 superalloy fabricated by WAAM with arc oscillation were investigated and compared with the corresponding as deposited samples. Results showed that the tensile properties (ultimate tensile strength and yield strength) of the deposition with arc oscillation were improved with retention in elongation above 45%. With the arc oscillation, Laves phase was significantly suppressed and the content of Laves phase decreased. Further, arc oscillation induced texture randomization with lower texture intensity (10.15 mud), achieving a prominent reduction by 36.7%. From the present study, it is evident that arc oscillation during WAAM is a potential manufacturing route that can effectively tailor the microstructure.