Formation of topologically closed packed phases within CMSX-4 single crystals produced by additive manufacturing
Abstract The homogeneity of single crystals produced by additive manufacturing (AM) is much higher than that of single crystals produced by the standard investment casting process. Aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of this homogeneity on the formation kinetics of topologically closed packed (TCP) phases. CMSX-4 single crystals produced by selective electron beam melting and investment casting are homogenized and annealed at 870 °C and 1050 °C for up to 480 h. The formation kinetics of TCP phase formation is analyzed by electron microscopy.