Location Specific Characterization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Inconel 718

To accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, innovative manufacturing techniques are being developed to enable rapid prototyping and reduce qualification timelines. Nickel-based superalloys, such as Inconel 718, are critical for these applications due to their exceptional strength at high temperatures, as well as their high creep and corrosion resistance. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers advantages for producing these components, including complex geometry fabrication, accelerated fabrication times, and reduced material waste compared to subtractive methods. However, AM-produced parts can exhibit greater variability in micromechanical and chemical characteristics than traditionally manufactured parts. This study collected extensive data detailing the microstructure, microhardness attributes, and light element (oxygen and nitrogen) distribution across eighteen Inconel 718 parts produced via laser powder bed fusion with controlled build parameters. The relationship between spatial proximity, print parameters, and material properties demonstrated a variation with respect to build height, including a positive difference of 22% oxygen between the initial layers and the final layers. Less prominent trends with nitrogen content and microhardness were also present.