GAMMA, GAMMA' COBALT BASED ALLOYS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHODS OR SOLDERING, WELDING, POWDER AND COMPONENT

Abstract

The invention relates to gamma, gamma'-cobalt-based alloys for additive manufacturing methods or soldering, welding, powder and component. By using a cobalt-based alloy based on Co-7W-7 Al-23Ni-2Ti-2Ta-12Cr-0.0IB-0.IC-(0-0.1Si), an alloy that is especially well-suited for additive manufacturing methods or high-temperature soldering is proposed.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The following relates to a γ, γ′-cobalt-based superalloy which is employed in additive manufacturing (AM) processes or in soldering or welding of high-temperature components, a powder and component.

BACKGROUND

γ′-hardened nickel-based alloys are known from high-temperature use, for example in gas turbines. Nickel-based alloys are subject to hot gas corrosion and can be repaired only with difficulty because of their brittleness. In the case of cobalt-based alloys, it is known that they have better properties in this respect. However, a disadvantage here is the poorer mechanical properties due to an unstable γ′ phase (Co, Ni)-3Ti.

A problem in respect of hot cracks is that these processes have to be carried out very carefully in the case of γ, γ′-hardened nickel-based superalloys.

New developments which lead to stabilization of the γ phase in the alloy system Co—Ni—W—Al—Ti—Ta—Cr show that the mechanical properties are comparable to those of the known γ-hardened alloy Ni738.

Additive manufacturing processes and soldering or welding are known and are also employed or developed for γ′-hardened nickel-based alloys.

SUMMARY

The aspect is achieved by a cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, which comprises at least, in percent by weight: 6-8% of tungsten (W), 6%-8% of aluminum (Al), 21%-25% of nickel (Ni), 1%-3% of titanium (Ti), 1%-3% of tantalum (Ta), 10%-14% of chromium (Cr), 0.005%-0.015% of boron (B), 0.05%-0.15% of carbon (C). A process for the additive manufacture of a component, wherein the alloy is used. A method for soldering or for welding, wherein an alloy is used. A powder comprising an alloy is disclosed. A component comprising at least an alloy as or produced by a process or method or by means of a powder is disclosed.

The cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, of is disclosed which comprises at least, in percent by weight: 7% of tungsten (W), 7% of aluminum (Al), 23% of nickel (Ni), 2% of titanium (Ti), 2% of tantalum (Ta), 12% of chromium (Cr), 0.010% of boron (B), 0.10% of carbon (C). The cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, can comprise at least, in percent by weight:

• 0.05%-0.15% of silicon (Si), in particular in percent by weight:
• 0.10% of silicon (Si).

The description presents only illustrative embodiments of the invention.

A precipitation-hardening cobalt-based alloy which can be employed in additive manufacturing and in soldering or welding is proposed.

An advantageous composition is

• Co-7W-7Al-23Ni-2Ti-2Ta-12Cr-0.01B-0.1C-(0-0.1Si).

Owing to the alloying elements titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), tantalum (Ta) and hafnium (Hf) in superalloys, the oxygen particle pressure has to be controlled precisely during processing.

The proportion of tungsten (W) is kept rather low because of the density.

The proportion of aluminum (Al) is kept rather low in order to reduce the weldability and oxidation susceptibility due to the γ′ content.

The proportion of nickel (Ni) is kept high in order to broaden the stability range for the γ phase in the combination with chromium (Cr).

The proportion of titanium (Ti) is kept rather low because of the oxidation susceptibility.

The proportion of tantalum (Ta) is kept in the middle range, including in order to replace the proportion of tungsten (W) in the γ′ phase and in order to strengthen the grain boundaries together with the elements boron (B) and silicon (Si).

The proportion of chromium (Cr) is kept high in order to ensure good oxidation resistance and hot gas corrosion resistance.

Boron (B), carbon (C) and/or silicon (Si) represent grain boundary strengtheners.

The alloy is preferably subjected to a two-stage heat treatment:

• solution heat treatment at 1573° K,
• γ′ precipitation at 1173° K and
• then grain boundary carbide precipitation at 1073° K and
• a concluding aging heat treatment in order to achieve the precipitation of grain boundary strengtheners such as carbides, silicides.

A further advantageous heat treatment is solution heat treatment and precipitation of γ′ in a two-stage heat treatment with temperatures of 1423° K and 1193° K.

• These temperatures are approximate figures (+/−20° K).
• At the end, a preferable heat treatment at 1073° K for boride precipitation is optionally conceivable but not absolutely necessary.

The alloy can be present in powder form and also be used as welding additive material. This powder can have ceramics or other admixtures as constituent.

In soldering, welding or in AM, an alloy of this type or a powder of this type is employed in order to produce components in part or in full.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to the preferred exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited to the examples disclosed, and further variations can be inferred by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.

Claims

1. A cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, which comprises at least, in percent by weight: 6%-8% of tungsten (W),6%-8% of aluminum (Al),21%-25% of nickel (Ni),1%-3% of titanium (Ti),1%-3% of tantalum (Ta),10%-14% of chromium (Cr),0.005%-0.015% of boron (B),0.05%-0.15% of carbon (C),

2. A process for the additive manufacture of a component, wherein an alloy as claimed in claim 1 is used.

3. A method for soldering or for welding, wherein an alloy as claimed in claim 1 is used.

4. A powder comprising an alloy as claimed in claim 1.

5. A component comprising at least an alloy as claimed in claim 1 or produced by a process or method or by means of a powder.

6. A process for heat treatment, in particular for an alloy as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alloy is subjected to at least a two-stage heat treatment: solution heat treatment at 1573° K,γ′ precipitation at 1173° K andthen the grain boundary carbide precipitation at 1073° K and a concluding aging heat treatment in order to achieve the precipitation of grain boundary strengtheners such as carbides, silicides.

7. A process for heat treatment, in particular for an alloy as claimed in claim 1wherein the alloy is subjected to a solution heat treatment and precipitation of γ′ in an at least two-stage heat treatment using temperatures of 1423° K and 1193° K, at the end optionally a heat treatment at 1073° K for boride precipitation.

8. The cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, of claim 1 which comprises at least, in percent by weight:7% of tungsten (W),7% of aluminum (Al),23% of nickel (Ni),2% of titanium (Ti),2% of tantalum (Ta),12% of chromium (Cr),0.010% of boron (B),0.10% of carbon (C).

9. The cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, of claim 1 which comprises at least, in percent by weight:0.05%-0.15% of silicon (Si).

10. The cobalt-based superalloy, for additive manufacturing processes, soldering or welding, of claim 9 which comprises at least, in percent by weight:0.10% of silicon (Si).