Features of VZhL21 Nickel-Base Superalloy Structure Formation During Selective Laser Melting, Vacuum Heat Treatment, and Hot Isostatic Compaction

This article considers features of the material structure of high-strength alloy VZhL21 obtained by selective laser melting (SLM) in different stages of its post-treatment. On the basis of analyzing the microstructure the so-called “process window” that is the interval of volumetric energy density for effective variation of (SLM) parameters during preparation of this material is determined. A study of synthesized VZhL21 alloy material is conducted by transmission microscopy with analysis of phase components and alloying element distribution within the volume of material. The efficiency of vacuum-heat and gasostatic treatment regimes is evaluated during crack healing. The structure of the material obtained is studied by light, scanning, and transmission microscopy after vacuum-heat, gasostatic, and heat treatment. The main structural components are determined by XPA.