Research question
How can graded stainless-steel/nickel-alloy deposits achieve a better combination of microstructure, strength and ductility?
Method
Ultrasonic vibration-assisted DED is compared with conventional DED for graded SS316L/IN718 specimens. Composition, grain structure, texture, Laves phase, residual stress and tensile tests characterize the changes caused by ultrasonic assistance.
Main findings
In the tested specimens, average grain size decreased from 67.8 to 34.6 μm. Relative to conventional DED, ultrasonic assistance increased ultimate tensile strength by approximately 8% and elongation by approximately 14%.