Analysis of the microstructure and microhardness of the Stellite 1–WCL steel joint produced by the Direct Energy Deposition method

ABSTRACT: The study presents the results of investigations on the microstructure, chemical composition, and microhardness of the cobalt alloy Stellite 1 joined to WCL tool steel, produced by the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) method. Analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Based on EDS results from two layers, the nature of element diffusion was determined, and the joint zones were identified: the deposit, the transition zone, and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). A gradient distribution of elements was observed, indicating an extensive diffusion zone. Microhardness results confirmed the transition from the hard structure of the deposit to the softer substrate. It was found that the joint is characterized by structural continuity.

KEYWORDS: Direct Energy Deposition (DED); Stellite 1–WCL joint; microstructure; microhardness; diffusion; heat-affected zone (HAZ)

STRESZCZENIE: W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań mikrostruktury, składu chemicznego oraz mikrotwardości połączenia stopu kobaltu Stellite 1 ze stalą narzędziową WCL, wytworzonego metodą Direct Energy Deposition (DED). Analizy przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem mikroskopii skaningowej (SEM) oraz mikroanalizy rentgenowskiej (EDS). Na podstawie wyników EDS z dwóch warstw określono charakter dyfuzji pierwiastków oraz zidentyfikowano strefy połączenia: napoinę, strefę przejściową i strefę wpływu ciepła (HAZ). Zarejestrowano gradientowy rozkład pierwiastków, wskazujący na rozległą strefę dyfuzyjną. Wyniki mikrotwardości potwierdziły przejście od twardej struktury napoiny do miększego podłoża. Stwierdzono, że połączenie charakteryzuje się ciągłością strukturalną.

SŁOWA KLUCZOWE: Direct Energy Deposition, mikrostruktura połączenia Stellite 1 i WCL, mikrotwardość połączenia Stellite 1 i WCL

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17814/mechanik.2025.12.10

 

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