Spectroscopic monitoring of laser blown powder directed energy deposition of Alloy 718

Experimental explorations of a spectrometer system used for in-process monitoring of the laser blown powder directed energy deposition of Alloy 718 is presented. Additive manufacturing of metals using this laser process experiences repeated heating and cooling cycles which will influence the final microstructure and chemical composition at every given point in the built. The spectrometer system disclosed, under certain process conditions, spectral lines that indicate vaporisation of chromium. Post process scanning electron microscope energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis of the deposited beads confirmed a reduction of chromium. Since the chromium concentration in Alloy 718 is correlated to corrosion resistance, this result encourages to further investigations including corrosion tests. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.