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Beyond volumetric energy density: the interplay of process parameters on surface and mechanical properties of LPBF-fabricated Inconel 718

delete2026-08-12
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PRE
AI
J
Jiahua Xia
Y
Yue Yang *
Z
Zhao Wang *
Z
Zhelun Ma
Y
Yufan Zheng
DOI:10.1007/s40964-026-01906-2delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This study investigates the interplay of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process parameters on the surface texture, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Inconel 718, while maintaining a constant volumetric energy density (VED). By systematically varying laser power, scanning speed, hatch spacing, and layer thickness while maintaining a constant volumetric energy density (VED) of approximately 100 J/mm3, we demonstrate that significantly different surface textures, porosity distributions, microstructures, and mechanical properties can still be obtained. This finding highlights the limitations of VED as a standalone metric and reveals the distinct effects of individual process parameters on LPBF outcomes. Surface roughness (Sa = 15.768–30.414 µm) and waviness (Wa = 59.18–109.42 µm) were found to correlate with hatch spacing and layer thickness, while porosity (0.04–4.5%) was influenced by laser power-speed combinations. Microstructural analysis revealed that low power (200–300 W) and narrow hatch spacing (0.05–0.07 mm) promoted fine equiaxed grains (7.55–9.12 µm) and weak textures, enhancing yield strength (697–711 MPa). Conversely, high power (350–450 W) and wider hatch spacing (0.08–0.1 mm) induced epitaxial columnar growth, improving ultimate tensile strength (1000–1004 MPa) but compromising ductility. Fractography identified brittle cleavage in low-energy conditions versus ductile dimpling in optimized high-power regimes. These findings underscore the limitations of VED as a standalone metric and highlight the need for coupled parameter optimization to achieve tailored mechanical performance in LPBF-fabricated Inconel 718.
Keywords:
LPBF
Inconel 718
Surface texture
Microstructure
Mechanical properties

Journal

P
Progress in Additive Manufacturing
IF:
5.4
Papers:
1.8K
Citations:
3.2K

Organization

X
xi'an jiaotong-liverpool university
Scholars:
789
Papers: 432
Citations: 0
N
Northeastern University
Scholars:
2.3W
Papers: 1.5W
Citations: 3.0W
S
soochow university
Scholars:
1.1W
Papers: 4.1K
Citations: 5
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