Flowforming of a nickel based superalloy

Flowforming is a relatively new metalworking technology that has been applied to successfully cold formed triple melt Inconel 718. The large plastic deformations during flowforming have the benefit of refining the materials microstructure. In the present work, computer simulation, mechanical testing and materials characterization have been conducted to develop a failure/damage model to support the cold forming behavior of an Inconel alloy. Results have enabled the prediction of the conditions for material failure during flowforming operations. In addition, the numerical model also provides information as to the optimum preform and roller geometry, feed rate, and setup parameters in accordance with the desired product end state. The numerical process model in conjunction with proper characterization of the mechanical properties have been useful to substantially reduce the trial and error methods used in flowforming operations. (AU) © 2010 by The Materials, Metals, & Materials Society. All rights reserved.