Printability, microstructures and mechanical properties of a novel Co-based superalloy fabricated via laser powder bed fusion

High levels of Al and Ti in superalloy compositions normally lead to cracking formation during the laser powder bed fusion process, while these elements are key constituents of strengthening phases. In the current study, a novel Co-based superalloy with the basic chemical composition of Co-Al-W-Ta-Ti resolved this contradiction, indicating that the part was formed without cracking and simultaneously contained a large amount of strengthening precipitates in the microstructure fabricated via laser powder bed fusion. The printability, microstructures, and mechanical properties of the sample were analysed before and after heat treatment, providing a potential superalloy that can replace Ni-based superalloys fabricated by additive manufacturing in aerospace and other industries with higher temperature and more efficiency. © 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.