Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Stellite 12 Fabricated by Laser Additive Manufacturing

Microstructure evolution and wear resistance of Stellite 12 produced by laser additive manufacturing were studied in untreated and heat-treated conditions. In untreated conditions, cobalt matrix dendrites and interdendritic eutectic carbides were the primary microstructure, blocky and lamellar eutectic carbides can be found, and M7C3 and M23C6 are the primary carbides. Heat treatment can modify the microstructure of this alloy. Primary carbides were dissolved into the cobalt matrix after solution treatment. Aging treatment resulted in the precipitation of carbides, the transformation of M7C3 into M23C6 carbides, and the increase in microhardness. Solution and aging treatment can also cause the precipitation of carbides, but the morphology and distribution of carbides were absolutely different. The wear resistance of untreated samples at room temperature (RT) and 600 degrees C is better than that at 200 and 400 degrees C due to the high hardness at RT and the formation of oxide film at 600 degrees C. The wear resistance of heat-treated samples was tested at 600 degrees C; it was dominated by the formation and flake-off of oxide film. The sample that underwent solution plus aging treatment has a superior wear resistance.