Advancements in Laser Powder Bed Fusion manufacturing of Alloy 718: Microstructural insights and mechanical behaviours

Alloy 718 boasts exceptional creep, thermal, and corrosion resistance properties, making it a favoured material in industries such as aerospace, marine, oil and gas, nuclear reactors, rocket engines, pressure vessels, and medical implants. Despite its widespread utility, traditional manufacturing methods encounter limitations in working with Alloy 718 due to its intricate properties. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Additive Manufacturing has emerged as a promising solution to overcome these limitations, offering enhanced workability and versatility. This article examines recent advancements and research developments in LPBF-processed Alloy 718, with a particular focus on microstructural characteristics and mechanical behavior. It delves into optimization studies aimed at refining the LPBF process for Alloy 718 production and explores the integration of machine learning techniques for process modelling. Additionally, the article sheds light on failure mechanisms observed in LPBF-processed Alloy 718 across various conditions. By providing a comprehensive overview of current research endeavours and prospects in LPBF-based fabrication of Alloy 718, this review contributes to the understanding and advancement of this innovative manufacturing technique.