Investigation of printability and mechanical properties of Hastelloy X (HX) manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)

This paper deals with 3D printed parts which are being investigated in the printability and mechanical properties of Hastelloy X (HX) powder by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology. HX material is widely used in the industry, which is required for oxidation resistance, fabricability, and high-temperature strength applications. The objective of the research is to print the unit of the heat exchanger by doing experimental prints through manipulating scanning strategies and altering the support structures. There are many samples printed for mechanical tests such as tensile, creep, and fatigue to be exposed to supercritical water environment, in nitrogen, and in air environment at different temperatures and different durations. Each print is evaluated, and outcomes are applied on the next print. By doing this, to achieve more stable prints and verifying and comparing the mechanical properties with industrial applications. Some issues such as support structures (especially block support), and residual stresses are addressed to be worked on the further research for HX material at the end of the research.