Effects of Heat Treatment on High Temperature Mechanical Property and Corrosion Resistance of Hastelloy X Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

In previous studies, the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Hastelloy X fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) have been investigated; however, it is hoped that heat treatment will effect on its properties. Therefore, this study is to discuss heat treatment effect on Hastelloy X fabricated by SLM. It is interestingly found that fracture strain greatly increases with heat treatment, and the yield ratio decreases, which demonstrates the material is more reliable. High temperature tensile behavior is discussed; it is worth mentioning that not only fracture strain of the HT sample increases greatly at 550∘C in comparison with SLM sample, but also ultimate tensile strength increases from 632 MPa to 639 MPa; the results show that the mechanical property can be improved at medium and high temperature by heat treatment. The corrosion resistance of HT sample deteriorates slightly, which can be explained by Cr-rich precipitates. In conclusion, the material after heat treatment is suitable for applications requiring high mechanical reliability and medium and high temperature occasions, but it is not befitting for corrosive environments.

Optimization of Process Parameters for Turning Hastelloy X under Different Machining Environments Using Evolutionary Algorithms: A Comparative Study

In this research work, the machinability of turning Hastelloy X with a PVD Ti-Al-N coated insert tool in dry, wet, and cryogenic machining environments is investigated. The machinability indices namely cutting force (CF), surface roughness (SR), and cutting temperature (CT) are studied for the different set of input process parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and machining environment, through the experiments conducted as per L27 orthogonal array. Minitab 17 is used to create quadratic Multiple Linear Regression Models (MLRM) based on the association between turning parameters and machineability indices. The Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm is proposed in this work to identify the optimal set of turning parameters through the MLRM models, in view of minimizing the machinability indices. Three case studies by considering individual machinability indices, a combination of dual indices, and a combination of all three indices, are performed. The suggested MFO algorithm’s effectiveness is evaluated in comparison to the findings of Genetic, Grass-Hooper, Grey-Wolf, and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms. From the results, it is identified that the MFO algorithm outperformed the others. In addition, a confirmation experiment is conducted to verify the results of the MFO algorithm’s optimal combination of turning parameters.

High Pressure Heat Treatment for L-PBF Hastelloy X

Hastelloy X is used in turbomachinery and petrochemical applications as it is designed for excellent oxidation and stress corrosion cracking resistance, strength, and stress rupture behavior. This alloy is now being printed via powder bed fusion processes as many industries have developed interests in the benefits additive manufacturing (AM) offers. However asprinted Hastelloy X suffers from material defect formation such as hot cracking. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is often applied to improve performance and reliability. Although the conventional HIP process has been shown to eliminate defects, the equipment is unable to cool at desired rates allowing the formation of excessive carbide precipitation, negatively influencing corrosion resistance and toughness. In turn the product is solution treated at a similar temperature while applying rapid gas cooling for performance requirements. With use of Uniform Rapid Cooling® available in modern HIP equipment, a high-pressure heat treatment can be applied offering the ability to perform both HIP and heat treatment in one piece of equipment. Microstructure and tensile properties are evaluated and compared to the conventional processing routes. The results demonstrate that the novel high pressure heat treatment approach offers a processing route that is equivalent to or better than conventional methods.