Microstructure and Properties of 3D Printed Inconel 718 Joint Brazed with BNi-2 Amorphous Filler Metal

Three dimensional (3D) printing technology has been widely used in metal manufacturing industry. This study focused on the vacuum brazing of 3D printed Inconel 718 superalloy with BNi-2 amorphous filler metal. Interfacial microstructure and element distribution revealed excellent wettability and spreadability of the filler metal as well as favorable brazability of the base material. Brazed joint could be divided into two distinct zones: isothermally solidified zone (ISZ) consisting of γ-Ni solid solution and diffusion-affected zone (DAZ) consisting of a large amount of precipitates besides γ-Ni solid solution. Microhardness reached peak values in DAZ. Although borides filled the gaps of base material’s grains to restrict grain boundary sliding and restrain the expansion of gaps, but its high hardness and brittleness would cause DAZ turn into weaker region when external loads were very large. The complete diffusion of B indicated the completion of isothermally solidified process. Precipitate CrB2 with high hardness and brittleness was the key point of reducing the joint strength. Shear strength of the brazed joint was up to 802 MPa, and fracture morphology presented a mixed ductile-brittle fracture.