Fully dense CM247LC alloy obtained by Binder Jetting. Characterization of the processing route

The additive manufacturing of CM247LC nickel-based superalloy, has a high development potential for applications where high temperature resistance and geometrically complex parts are required. In order to avoid the hot cracking response related to laser beam manufacturing technologies, Binder Jetting (BJ) is explored for processing the material. For this research study, a non-commercial powder was specifically produced by gas atomization and the characteristics of the different batches analysed. As a means for increasing the density of the samples printed by BJ, different sintering conditions were studied, and hot isostatic pressure was applied after sintering to fully consolidate the material. An exhaustive microstructural characterization was carried out in each step of the route that covers the entire process chain, from the production of the powder to the post processing operations. Therefore, this study sheds some light on the microstructural evolution towards the manufacturing of fully dense CM247LC parts by Binder Jetting.