Influence of Post Heat Treatment on Slurry Erosion Behavior of Wire Arc Additive Manufactured (WAAMed) Inconel-625

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized complex component fabrication. Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) uses an electric arc to deposit material layers, offering cost-effectiveness and speed. Inconel-625, known for its wear resistance, is widely used in marine and high-performance applications. This study examines post-heat treatment effects on WAAM-fabricated Inconel-625's slurry erosion behavior. WAAM deposits Inconel-625 layer by layer, characterized for microstructure and mechanical properties. Controlled post-heat treatments at 1100°C for 2 hours (water quenched, furnace cooled) enhance material properties. Specimens undergo slurry erosion tests under varied conditions: impact velocity (20, 30, 40 m/s) and strike angle (30, 60, 90°). Results show improved wear resistance with water quenching at 1100°C, while erosion intensifies with higher impact velocities. The influence of strike angle on slurry erosion varies between treated and untreated specimens. FESEM imaging reveals erosion mechanisms, with ductile failure at lower strike angles for as-built WAAMed Inconel 625, contrasting with brittle failure post-water quenching at 1100°C. This study informs engineers and designers aiming to enhance AM component performance in erosive environments, contributing to understanding manufacturing processes, heat treatment, and material performance in additive manufacturing.