The preparation of high-performance 96W-2.7Ni-1.3Fe alloy parts by powder extrusion 3D printing

Abstract

Abstract The tungsten heavy alloy green parts are successfully manufactured by an innovative indirect 3D printing technology, powder extrusion printing. Then the subsequent debinding-sintering process of the printed green parts is optimized to obtain a high-density and suitable-contiguity alloy. Finally, a 96W-2.7Ni-1.3Fe alloy with a high density of ~99.1%, suitable contiguity of ~ 0.63, strength of ~801\xa0MPa and elongation of ~22.1% is prepared by a two-step sintering process under H2 atmosphere. After proper heat treatment, the strength and elongation of the as-sintered specimen are further improved to 838\xa0MPa and 26.1%, respectively, which can be attributed to the reduction in the contiguity value of specimen, the enhancement of interfacial bonding force of W- γ interface, and the formation of the bridging mechanism of cracks. The indirect 3D printing technology developed in this work provides a new technical approach for the additive manufacturing of tungsten-based alloys and/or other refractory metals.