Effect of Solution and Aging Treatment on the Microstructure Transformation and Properties of Laser Cladded IN625

YAO Zhehe; FENG Yonghui; CHEN Jian; SUI Yongfeng; DONG Gang; ZHANG Qunli; YAO Jianhua

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.23.013

PDF(26724 KB)

Surface Technology ›› 2025, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (23) : 175-187. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.23.013

Laser Surface Modification Technology

Effect of Solution and Aging Treatment on the Microstructure Transformation and Properties of Laser Cladded IN625

YAO Zhehe¹, FENG Yonghui¹, CHEN Jian¹, SUI Yongfeng², DONG Gang¹, ZHANG Qunli¹, YAO Jianhua^1,*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

Laser cladding has been extensively employed in the aerospace and power generation industries due to its precise energy control and strong metallurgical bonding capabilities. However, the rapid solidification inherent in the process often promotes the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds, such as Laves phases and carbides, which significantly degrades the mechanical properties of the deposited layer. The work aims to systematically investigate the effects of solution treatment and aging treatment on the microstructure and properties of laser cladded IN625. Particular attention was paid to the microstructural evolution mechanisms and their effect on hardness and wear resistance during heat treatment.
In this investigation, an IN625 nickel-based superalloy substrate was coated with a laser-clad layer by a high-power diode laser. The effects of solution treatment at varying temperatures and aging treatment in the range of 650-850 ℃ on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the deposited layer were comprehensively analyzed. Optical microscopy (OM) was used to observe the macroscopic features of the cladded layer, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed detailed microstructural transformations. The coating's strength and wear resistance were evaluated through micro-indentation hardness testing and sliding wear analysis. A parametric study demonstrated that the solution treatment temperature significantly affected dendritic arm spacing, whereas aging duration regulated the redistribution of Laves phases. These factors collectively governed the hardness- toughness balance and provided an experimental foundation for optimizing the heat treatment process of laser cladded IN625 alloy.
The results indicated that solution treatment at 1 200 ℃ for 45 min led to the complete dissolution of the original long-chain Laves phase in the cladded layer and promoted uniform distribution of alloying elements. During subsequent aging treatment at 650 ℃ for 20 h, a significant amount of nano-scale γ″ phase (Ni₃Nb) precipitated from the matrix, resulting in a marked increase in microhardness to 350HV0.2 - approximately 16.7% higher than that of the as-cladded condition. However, as the aging temperature increased to 750 ℃, the γ″ phase began to transform into a needle-like δ phase. This transformation became nearly complete after aging at 850 ℃, ultimately causing a notable reduction in the hardness of the cladded layer. These sequential phase transformations underscored the critical role of heat treatment temperature in governing the evolution and mechanical performance of precipitates in the laser-cladded IN625 alloy.
The investigation confirms that higher heat treatment temperatures facilitate the decomposition of Laves phase structures in the cladded layer and significantly enhance the homogenization of alloying element distribution. During subsequent aging, a low-temperature condition of 650 ℃ promotes the precipitation of a large quantity of nano-scale γ″ strengthening phases. These precipitates serve as effective barriers to dislocation motion, thereby markedly improving the mechanical strength of the cladded layer. However, when the aging temperature exceeds 750 ℃, the thermodynamically unstable γ″ phase progressively transforms into a coarse, needle-like δ phase. This transformation gradually weakens the precipitation strengthening effect, ultimately leading to substantial degradation in mechanical performance. These findings offer theoretical guidance for optimizing the heat treatment process of laser-cladded IN625 alloy, suggesting that optimal microstructure-property relationships can be achieved through precise control of solution and aging parameters.

Key words

laser cladding / solution treatment / aging treatment / microhardness / wear resistance

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

YAO Zhehe, FENG Yonghui, CHEN Jian, SUI Yongfeng, DONG Gang, ZHANG Qunli, YAO Jianhua. Effect of Solution and Aging Treatment on the Microstructure Transformation and Properties of Laser Cladded IN625[J]. Surface Technology. 2025, 54(23): 175-187 https://doi.org/10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.23.013

References

[1] DENG S J, LI C, YU M H, et al.Study on the Mechanism and Correlation of Double-Pit Pitting in Ductile Iron IN625 Laser Cladding Layer[J]. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 2024, 38(14): 2584-2620.
[2] KEYA T, BIKMUKHAMETOV I, SHMATOK A, et al.Evolution of Microstructure and Its Influence on the Mechanical Behavior of LPBF Inconel 625 Upon Direct Aging[J]. Manufacturing Letters, 2023, 35: 732-742.
[3] MAKHESANA M A, PATEL K M, KROLCZYK G M, et al.Influence of MoS₂ and Graphite-Reinforced Nanofluid-MQL on Surface Roughness, Tool Wear, Cutting Temperature and Microhardness in Machining of Inconel 625[J]. CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology, 2023, 41: 225-238.
[4] CERITBINMEZ F, GÜNEN A, GÜROL U, et al. A Comparative Study on Drillability of Inconel 625 Alloy Fabricated by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing[J]. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2023, 89: 150-169.
[5] LIANG Y, LIAO Z Y, ZHANG L L, et al.A Review on Coatings Deposited by Extreme High-Speed Laser Cladding: Processes, Materials, and Properties[J]. Optics & Laser Technology, 2023, 164: 109472.
[6] RAAHGINI C, VERDI D.Abrasive Wear Performance of Laser Cladded Inconel 625 Based Metal Matrix Composites: Effect of the Vanadium Carbide Reinforcement Phase Content[J]. Surface and Coatings Technology, 2022, 429: 127975.
[7] LI C, DENG S J, CHEN X X, et al.Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Pitting Damage of IN625 Laser Cladding Layer[J]. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology, 2023, 237(11): 2039-2058.
[8] HUA K, DING H T, SUN L H, et al.Enhancing High-Temperature Fretting Wear Resistance of TC21 Titanium Alloys by Laser Cladding Self-Lubricating Composite Coatings[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2024, 977: 173360.
[9] LI Y F, SHI Y, JIANG G J, et al.Effect of WC on Microstructure, Molten Pool and Properties of Ni Based Coatings by Multi-Layer Laser Cladding[J]. Optics & Laser Technology, 2024, 174: 110612.
[10] 姚喆赫, 丁成桦, 迟一鸣, 等. 超声振动对激光修复镍基高温合金晶粒特征及其缺陷的影响[J]. 表面技术, 2024, 53(13): 33-43.
YAO Z H, DING C H, CHI Y M, et al.Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on the Grain Characteristics and Defects in Laser Repaired Nickel-Based Superalloy[J]. Surface Technology, 2024, 53(13): 33-43.
[11] 牛庆伟, 郝敬宾, 纪皓文, 等. 超声辅助激光熔覆IN 625高温合金涂层组织及性能研究[J]. 精密成形工程, 2024, 16(2): 137-148.
NIU Q W, HAO J B, JI H W, et al.Microstructure and Properties of IN 625 High-temperature Alloy Coating by Ultrasonic Assisted Laser Cladding[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering, 2024, 16(2): 137-148.
[12] QIN L L, CHEN C J, ZHANG M, et al.The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Deposited-IN625 by Laser Additive Manufacturing[J]. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2017, 23(6): 1119-1129.
[13] JEYAPRAKASH N, YANG C H, RAMKUMAR K R.Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Laser Cladded Inconel 625 and Colmonoy 6 Depositions on Inconel 625 Substrate[J]. Applied Physics A, 2020, 126(6): 455.
[14] SAHA D, PAL S.Study of Mechanical Behaviour and Microsegregation in Interdendritic Region of a Single-Pass Plasma Arc Welding of Thick IN625 Plate[J]. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 25(2): 105.
[15] MAURYA A K, BHATTACHARYYA A, CHHIBBER R, et al.Structural Integrity and Corrosion Behavior Assessment of the Dissimilar Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Joint of SDSS 2507/IN625 Superalloy[J]. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2024, 318: 129322.
[16] 田宪华, 陈彬彬, 杨晓东, 等. WC含量对WC/Ni60激光熔覆层组织与性能的影响[J]. 中国激光, 2025, 52(4): 141-158.
TIAN X H, CHEN B B, YANG X D, et al.Effect of WC Content on Microstructure and Properties of WC/Ni60 Laser Cladding Layer[J]. Chinese Journal of Lasers, 2025, 52(4): 141-158.
[17] LI K, REN Y Z, XIE G Y, et al.Effect of Solid-Solution Treatment on High-Temperature Properties and Creep Fracture Mechanism of Laser Powder Bed Fused Inconel 625 Alloy[J]. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2024, 902: 146592.
[18] HYER H, NEWELL R, MATEJCZYK D, et al.Microstructural Development in as Built and Heat Treated IN625 Component Additively Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion[J]. Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion, 2021, 42(1): 14-27.
[19] RAJKUMAR V, ARJUNAN T V, RAJESH KANNAN A.Investigations on Hardfacing and Wear Characteristics of Nickel-Based Inconel 625 Overlaid Welds over AISI 347 Pipe[J]. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 2019, 42(1): 12.
[20] MAURYA A K, CHHIBBER R, PANDEY C.Studies on Residual Stresses and Structural Integrity of the Dissimilar Gas Tungsten Arc Welded Joint of SDSS 2507/Inconel 625 for Marine Application[J]. Journal of Materials Science, 2023, 58(20): 8597-8634.
[21] SINGH V K, SAHOO D, AMIRTHALINGAM M, et al.Dissolution of the Laves Phase and Δ-Precipitate Formation Mechanism in Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 during Post Printing Heat Treatments[J]. Additive Manufacturing, 2024, 81: 104021.
[22] 李丽, 孙峰, 张尧成. 固溶处理对激光熔覆Stellite6合金涂层性能的影响[J]. 表面技术, 2017, 46(1): 78-81.
LI L, SUN F, ZHANG Y C.Effect of Solution Treatment on the Performance of Laser Cladding of Stellite6 Alloy Coating[J]. Surface Technology, 2017, 46(1): 78-81.
[23] 吴润宝, 徐刚, 罗开玉, 等. 热处理对激光增材In718/316L功能梯度材料组织和性能的影响[J]. 机械工程学报, 2022, 58(19): 293-305.
WU R B, XU G, LUO K Y, et al.Effects of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Laser Additive Manufactured In718/316L Functionally Gradient Material[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, 58(19): 293-305.
[24] MARCHESE G, LORUSSO M, PARIZIA S, et al.Influence of Heat Treatments on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 625 Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion[J]. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2018, 729: 64-75.
[25] MATHEW M D, PALANICHAMY P, LATHA S, et al.Microstructural Changes in Alloy 625 Due to Creep and Characterization Using NDE Techniques[J]. Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, 2010, 63(2): 449-452.
[26] YANG F, DONG L M, HU X J, et al.Effect of Solution Treatment Temperature Upon the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot Rolled Inconel 625 Alloy[J]. Journal of Materials Science, 2020, 55(13): 5613-5626.
[27] BADRISH C A, KOTKUNDE N, MAHALLE G, et al.Analysis of Hot Anisotropic Tensile Flow Stress and Strain Hardening Behavior for Inconel 625 Alloy[J]. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 2019, 28(12): 7537-7553.
[28] HAM S, PARK J, JO C, et al.Study on Solidification and Phase Transformation Behaviors in Ni-Based Superalloy IN625[J]. Korean Journal of Metals and Materials, 2023, 61(4): 261-268.
[29] ILLANA A, DE MIGUEL M T, GARCÍA-MARTÍN G, et al. Experimental Study on Steam Oxidation Resistance at 600 ℃ of Inconel 625 Coatings Deposited by HVOF and Laser Cladding[J]. Surface and Coatings Technology, 2022, 451: 129081.
[30] MOHAMMADPOUR P, YUAN H, PHILLION A B.Microstructure Evolution of Inconel 625 Alloy during Single-Track Laser Powder Bed Fusion[J]. Additive Manufacturing, 2022, 55: 102824.
[31] MISHRA R, PANDIT D, IMAM M.Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Study of Friction Stir Processed Inconel 625 Additive Layers Deposited via Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition[J]. Additive Manufacturing, 2024, 86: 104193.
[32] 孙丹丹. 热处理对Inconel625合金组织与性能的影响[D]. 南京: 东南大学, 2017: 38-45.
SUN D D.Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of Inconel625 Alloy[D]. Nanjing: Southeast University, 2017: 38-45.
[33] FENG M Y, LIN T X, LIAN G F, et al.Effects of Nb Content on the Microstructure and Properties of CoCrFeMnNiNbx High-Entropy Alloy Coatings by Laser Cladding[J]. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2024, 28: 3835-3848.
[34] DEMIRCI K T, OZALP A, GURBUZ S N, et al.Achieving Superior Strength and Ductility in Oxide Dispersion Strengthened IN625 Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion[J]. Materials Science and Engineering a-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing, 2025, 923: 147702.
[35] SONG Y H, WANG Q Y, XIE Y F, et al.Microstructure and Tribocorrosion Mechanism of Laser Additive Manufacturing IN625 Coating[J]. Wear, 2025, 564: 205727.
[36] WANG H, WU M P, MIAO X J, et al.Effect of Nb on the Microstructure and Wear Resistance of In625/(Nb_x+ SiC_0.5) Composite Coatings by Laser Cladding[J]. Ceramics International, 2023, 49(23): 38420-38431.

Funding

National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFB4604300); National Natural Science Foundation of China (52175443); Zhejiang Provincial 'Leading Soldier' and 'Leading Goose' Research and Development Programme (2024C01178)