Surface Modification and Tribological Behavior of Plasma Processed Inconel 718 Manufactured Using 3D Printing Technology

In order to meet the requirements of the complex geometry structure and service life of Inconel 718 alloy (IN 718) in high-wear environments, the 3D printing technology has been adopted in this research to prepare the Inconel 718 alloy. The surface of the alloy was modified by plasma enhanced magnetron sputtering technology. Compared with casting IN 718 alloy, the hardness and friction coefficient of Inconel 718 alloy prepared by 3D printing was 6.05 GPa and 0.563, respectively, which had higher hardness and wear resistance. After plasma modification of the sample surface, there was hard γ N and CrN phase on the surface of the both alloys, and the comprehensive mechanical properties of the both alloys had been significantly improved. The surface hardness and friction coefficient of the modified 3D printing alloy and the modified casting alloy was 15.52 GPa and 0.158, 13.31 GPa and 0.471, respectively. Compared to casting IN 718 alloy, Inconel 718 alloy prepared by 3D printing technology has excellent mechanical properties. In addition, the plasma composite treatment of alloy surface can greatly improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of the parts, which is expected to improve the service life of the alloy.