Investigation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a nickel copper alloy printed by laser metal deposition

• Main Author: Quek, Qian Mei
• Other Authors: Zhou Kun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/159007
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Additive Manufacturing (AM), often known as 3D printing, is a technique for creating three-dimensional parts layer-by-layer from a polymer or metal-based substance. Due to a wider range of customizable materials, many industries have been researching the use of additive manufacturing, specifically direct energy deposition (DED) which belong to the laser metal deposition category. For the repair of components, Direct Energy Deposition is progressively replacing traditional procedures. DED delivers great levels of control and reproducibility because it is an automated process, which is especially critical for complicated and intricate components. Nickel copper alloy harden by the combination of aluminum and titanium is Monel K-500. Due to its high mechanical strength, Monel K-500 are commonly used in marine applications. The Monel K-500 specimens were built with different parameters and in two orientations - horizontal and vertical. Tensile tests were performed and the results were plotted on a stress-strain curve. Vickers hardness test was conducted on the specimens with different built parameters to see how the change in parameters affected the hardness of the material. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fractured surface, which was caused primarily by defects initiated during the DED fabrication process. Specimens that are horizontally built produce higher tensile strength as compared to vertically built specimens. Heat-treated samples have higher hardness results as compared to as-printed samples.