Influence of post heat treatment on metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion analysis of wire arc additive manufactured inconel 625

In the present research, the metallurgical and mechanical analysis along with the corrosion behaviour of Inconel 625 alloy formed by wire arc additive manufacturing-cold metal transfer (WAAM-CMT) based process were assessed with and without post heat treatments. Mechanical analysis was carried out with the help of impact and tensile strength analysis. Metallurgical analysis was conducted via. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), SEM-EDS, and XRD. While, corrosion analysis was conducted with the help of cyclic polarization test. Cyclic polarization test unveils variations in corrosion resistance among as prepared and heat-treated samples, with water quenched showing potential for enhanced corrosion protection. Moreover, the fractured surface analysis after tensile and impact strength tests was also conducted with the help of SEM images. Overall, the designated material after heat treatment at 1100 °C for 2 h along with water quenched presents the best mechanical, metallurgical and corrosion performance for Inconel 625 developed by WAAM-CMT process.