Characterization and Comparison of Inconel 625 Processed by Selective Laser Melting and Laser Metal Deposition

Inconel 625 (IN625) is a Ni superalloy ideal for the aeronautic and aerospace industries because of its superior mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. However, the production of components with complex geometries by traditional processes is very expensive, so additive manufacturing (AM) technologies can be applied to reduce the costs. In this work, IN625 alloy is processed by two different AM processes: selective laser melting (SLM) and laser metal deposition (LMD). First, the different powders are characterized, and then a parameter optimization is performed to obtain the highest possible density (over 99.8%) and hardness, showing very fine microstructures. The LMD process allows the highest build-up rate, but results in less dimensional accuracy and a lower hardness than the SLM process.