Effect of Scanning Strategies and Alloying Elements on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Fabricated by Laser Powder-Bed Fusion

Laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF), one of the metal additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, of fusion-facing materials can help overcome the challenges associated with poor machinability and difficulties in casting for complex-shaped and/or thin-walled components. Additive manufacturing experience large thermal strain during cooling and passing through its ductile-to-brittle transition. This leads to high number of cracks of additively manufactured tungsten.<br/>Here, we report on the enhanced microstructure and mechanical properties for tungsten-based alloys by alloying titanium and iron through L-PBF. Prototype alloys were selected using CALPHAD-based thermodynamic predictions. Various scanning strategies were employed to minimize the thermal strain during printing. The addition of titanium and iron increased density as well as increased strength and ductility.