Microstructural evolution of ATI 718Plus® contoured rings when exposed to heat treatment procedures

ATI 718Plus® is a nickel-base superalloy designed to promote excellent high temperature strength and thermal stability at elevated temperatures. Beside these properties, this material presents superior formability during forging operations, making ATI 718Plus® a suitable material for the manufacture of non-rotating and rotating components for jet engines and landbased turbines. Ring-rolling of rings is the natural option for the manufacture of such components, increasing material strength and reducing input weight. Use of contoured shapes simplifies and improves manufacturing processes, reducing machining touch time and in some cases, eliminating welding operations. This contribution summarizes results when ATI 718Plus® contoured rings are produced by ring-rolling operations and exposed to selected solution and precipitation heat treatments. Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties are reported, including tensile testing at room temperature, tensile testing at elevated temperature, hardness and stress-rupture testing. Microstructural evaluations were performed by optical microscopy and electronic microscopy. (AU) © 2010 by The Materials, Metals, & Materials Society. All rights reserved.