Effect of electromagnetic field on element segregation and texture via laser cladding of Inconel 718

Element segregation and texture control are two prominent challenges for Inconel 718 repairing via laser cladding. Hence, the electromagnetic field was introduced in the laser cladding of Inconel 718 in this paper. The effect of thermal-electromagnetic convection, magnetic torque, and electromigration induced by electromagnetic field on element segregation and texture of Inconel 718 was studied. Results show element segregation is suppressed due to thermal-electromagnetic convection and electromigration. More Nb and Ti are solid-dissolved into the γ matrix. The average fraction of the Laves phase reduces from 6.44% to 4.04%, while the morphology of the Laves phase is modified from long-chain-like to discrete wormlike and exhibits smaller size, owing to modified element segregation. Moreover, magnetic torque drives the rod crystal to rotate with the applied electromagnetic field and thereby the long axis of the rod crystal deviates from <001> direction. The maximum multiple of uniform density decreases from 7.54 to 2.97. This study provides a promising method to weaken texture and element segregation in laser additive manufacturing.