Additive manufacturing processes have been investigated for some years, and are commonly used industrially in the field of plastics for small- and medium-sized series. The use of metallic deposition material has been intensively studied on the laboratory scale, but the numerical prediction is not yet state of the art. This paper examines numerical approaches for predicting temperature fields, distortions, and mechanical properties using the Finite Element (FE) software MSC Marc. For process mapping, the filler materials G4Si1 (1.5130) for steel, and AZ31 for magnesium, were first characterized in terms of thermo-physical and thermo-mechanical properties with process-relevant cast microstructure. These material parameters are necessary for a detailed thermo-mechanical coupled Finite Element Method (FEM). The focus of the investigations was on the numerical analysis of the influence of the wire feed (2.5–5.0 m/min) and the weld path orientation (unidirectional or continuous) on the temperature evolution for multi-layered walls of miscellaneous materials. For the calibration of the numerical model, the real welding experiments were carried out using the gas-metal arc-welding process—cold metal transfer (CMT) technology. A uniform wall geometry can be produced with a continuous welding path, because a more homogeneous temperature distribution results.

Nowadays, additive manufacturing (AM) using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is acknowledged for its ability to generate near-net-shape components for various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and health industries. However, internal defects seem to be the inevitable concomitant in the current state of laser powder bed fusion of Al alloys. Hence, knowledge of the formation, different types, and morphologies of pores and their suppression is an essential element for successful future AM applications. The purpose of this research is to qualify a new approach of defect classification using X-ray tomography. In this framework, this research examined the influence of size, shape, and location of pores on crack initiation for AlSi10Mg parts produced by LPBF. For this reason, a total number of 39,228 pores detected in a cylindrical sample were categorised. Additionally, 26 selected pores of different morphology from the X-ray scan were analysed by means of finite element analysis (FEA). Moreover, fracture mechanics determinations were carried out to examine the correlations between pore characteristics and degree of stress concentration. The result is an evaluated novel pore classification method that can be used for process adjustments, quality assurance, as well as further research.

In this investigation, the fabrication of functionally graded structures of SS316L to Ni-based alloys were studied, using the novel technique 3D plasma metal deposition. Two Ni-based alloys were used, a heat resistance alloy Ni80-20 and the solid-solution strengthened Ni625. Different configurations were analyzed, for the Ni80-20 a hard transition and a smooth transition with a region of 50% SS316L/50% Ni80-20. Regarding the structures with Ni625, a smooth transition configuration and variations in the heat input were applied. The effect of the process parameters on the geometry of the structures and the microstructures was studied. Microstructure examinations were carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, microhardness analysis were made on the interfaces. In general, the smooth transition of both systems showed a gradual change in the properties. The microstructural results for the SS316L (both systems) showed an austenite matrix with δ-phase. For the mixed zone and the Ni80-20 an austenite (γ) matrix with some M₇C₃ precipitates and laves phase were recognized. The as-built Ni625 microstructure was composed of an austenite (γ) matrix with secondary phases laves and δ-Ni3Nb, and precipitates M₇C₃. The mixed zone exhibited the same phases but with changes in the morphology.

Dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) between ferritic steel grades are found extensively in the construction of thermal power plants. The potential combinations and approaches for joining dissimilar ferritic steels are nearly limitless. For DMWs, the difference in alloy composition (specifically chromium and carbide-forming elements) provides the main driving force for carbon diffusion during welding, post-weld heat treatment and long-term service at elevated temperatures. Since the high temperature creep strength of local, carbon-denuded zones can be dramatically reduced from that of the parent or filler material, the service performance of ferritic DMWs can be severely reduced. This article reviews experimental observations on microstructural evolution in dissimilar ferritic welds, activities to describe the observed phenomena by modelling and simulation and discusses the performance of these welds at high temperature. Lastly, a well-engineered approach to the design of ferritic DMWs is discussed in the context of thermal power plants which are subject to damage by creep. Abbreviations: HAZ: heat affected zone; PWHT: post weld heat treatment; GMAW: gas-metal arc welding; SMAW: shielded-metal arc welding; GTAW: gas tungsten arc welding; SAW: submerged arc welding; DMW: ferritic dissimilar metal weld; CGHAZ: coarse-grained heat affected zone; FGHAZ: fine-grained heat affected zone; CDZ: carbon-denuded zone; CEZ: carbon-enriched zone; CSEF: creep strength enhanced ferritic