Effect of laser inclination angle on mechanical properties of Hastelloy X processed by selective laser melting

Abstract Selective laser melting at various laser inclination angles was used to prepare Hastelloy X alloy specimens. The morphology, fracture, tensile strength, stress, and strain of Hastelloy X alloy specimens were studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a tensile tester. The temperature field of the manufacturing process was analyzed based on finite element analysis, and the internal relationship between the temperature field and the process was constructed in terms of cooling speed. The results show that the temperature field is a dynamic process with a high cooling rate; the average cooling rate reaches 3.23 × 106 °C × s−1. The greater the inclination angle, the greater the thermal gradient, resulting in higher cooling rates. Due to the cross-influence of grain refinement at high cooling rates and residual stress, the tensile strength and yield strength of Hastelloy X alloy showed first increasing and then decreasing trends with respect to inclination angle. However, at an inclination angle of 30°, the voids and crack defects of Hastelloy X alloy fractures were reduced, and the tensile strength and yield strength reached 881.38 and 701.60 MPa, respectively. At this angle, the mechanical properties were excellent and met the requirements of the aviation industry.