Investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel based superalloy IN738LC deposited by laser Cladding

Precipitation-hardened nickel based superalloys are very difficult to weld in a defect-free manner due to the formation of hot cracks in the weld metal as well as liquation cracks in the heat affected zone. Laser Cladding has been recognized as the one of the most attractive and promising state of the art welding to improve weld quality and repair high cost components such as industrial turbine blades. In this study, IN625 used as the filler was deposited on IN738LC mechanical samples by laser. The microstructure and metallurgical defects such as oxide phases, porosities and cracks were investigated by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The low oxide phase and porosity were observed at the deposited layer. Furthermore, the hardness and tensile properties of the base metal and the deposited samples were evaluated at room temperature. The results have shown that the yield stress and tensile strength of the deposited samples campare well with base material (1.2%, 3.2%, respectively) while the average values of Hardness and ductility decreased significantly (11.0% , 33.3%, respectively).