Laser additive manufacturing of Inconel 718 at increased deposition rates

Inconel 718 (IN718) is a nickel-based superalloy designed to display exceptionally high yield, tensile and creep-rupture properties at temperatures up to approx. 700 °C. For aerospace applications, it is the most widely used superalloy. The additive manufacturing process, laser-based direct energy deposition (DED) with powdery filler material can be used to repair, geometrically modify or manufacture components made of IN718. However, despite the devious advantages, its typical deposition rate of 5 kg/h.•The microstructure of the as-deposited material with a significantly increased high deposition rate is characterized.•A heat treatment method is adapted for improving the material properties.•The microstructure of the heat-treated material is characterized.•The aerospace material specifications (AMS) for the static mechanical properties are achieved.