Functionally graded Tribaloy TM T800 and austenitic stainless steel by laser additive manufacturing

Laser additive manufacturing (LAM) of TribaloyTM T800 (T800) is susceptible to developing cracks during manufacturing due to the formation of a high-volume fraction of the intermetallic Laves phase which imparts brittleness to the material. To resolve this problem, AISI 316 L stainless steel (SS316L) has been incorporated to develop a novel functionally graded TribaloyTM T800 (FG -T800) structure by LAM. By increasing the fraction of SS316L from the surface to the interior we have demonstrated surface hardness and sliding wear resistance similar to T800 while allowing modification of the amount and morphology of the brittle Laves phase across the deposit depth. In this manner, a tougher core with a reduced propensity for cracking is achieved. This new LAMbased manufacturing approach has the potential to deliver functionally graded material (FGM) structures for T800 cladding and solid components, thereby enhancing performance or component life.