Heat-Treated Inconel 625 by Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Microstructure, Tensile Properties, and Residual Stress Evolution

This work investigates the impact of different heat treatments on the evolution of the microstructure, tensile properties, and residual stresses of Inconel 625 (IN625) processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Applying a heat treatment is an essential step to mitigate the high residual stresses in the components produced by LPBF and, simultaneously, to design the mechanical properties of the components. A high magnitude of residual stress can involve deformation and reduce the fatigue resistance of the components. In the current work, heat treatments performed at 600, 800, and 870 degrees C provided minimal modification on the dimensions of the grains but involved the formation of new phases, which increased the tensile strength. The results showed mitigation of the residual stresses at 800 and 870 degrees C correlated with the formation of Cr-rich M23C6 carbides and delta phases, respectively. Finally, the solution annealing at 1150 degrees C triggered recrystallization with the formation of sub-micrometric carbides, reducing the residual stresses. The solution annealing treatment involved an improvement of the ductility and a reduction in tensile strength. This work provides a guide to understanding the microstructure, residual stress, and mechanical properties evolution of the IN625 alloy under heat treatments.