Papers by Author: Jacqueline Lecomte-Beckers

Abstract: This paper reports on a preliminary investigation into the elaboration, by the additive process known as laser cladding, of composite coatings with a matrix of stainless steel 316L reinforced with varying contents of tungsten (WC) or silicon carbides (SiC) particles. Laser cladding is characterised by ultra-fast solidification and cooling rates, thus giving rise to ultra-fine out-of-equilibrium microstructures and potentially enhanced mechanical properties. Both types of composite coatings – i.e. with SiC or WC ‒ are compared in terms of their microstructures and hardness. Special attention is given to the dissolution of the carbides particles and to interfacial reactions taking place between the particles and the metallic matrix.

Abstract: Investigations on steel thixoforming started in the early 90s and many developments were carried out, mainly driven by the industrialization of the process. After a series of basic investigations on adapted steels and materials as well as near-net shaping investigations, the issue of mass production raised and thus induced some other challenges mainly on die life and process automation and cycling. High working temperatures and components complexity were than the main locks to mass productions. In most of reported literature, none of the involved research group reached or real production and industrialization criteria. The euro group holds most of these research investigations. We have reported many of these results in previous communications and this paper presents a continuity of what have already been presented. Some advanced tooling materials and solutions are presented and applied to a real complex industrial component.

Abstract: An experimental campaign of compression tests, differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dilatometry and microstructure analysis has been performed, as well as the identification of the material data set for finite element (FE) analysis of bimetallic rolls. This article numerically investigates the stress and strain fields after the cooling stage and it checks their effect on the subsequent heat treatment step. As bimetallic rolls have a different material for core and shell, the effect of the roll size and the shell thickness on residual stresses is also studied.

Abstract: In this study, samples of stainless steel AISI 316L have been processed by selective laser melting, a layer-by-layer near-net-shape process allowing for an economic production of complex parts. The resulting microstructures have been characterised in details in order to reach a better understanding of the solidification and consolidation processes. The influence of the processing parameters on the mechanical properties was investigated by means of uniaxial tensile testing performed on samples produced with different main orientations with respect to the building direction. A strong anisotropy of the mechanical behaviour was thus interpreted in relation with the microstructures and the processing conditions.

Abstract: In this study, samples of alloy Ti-6Al-4V have been processed by different additive manufacturing techniques in order to compare the resulting microstructure. In all three processes, ultrafast cooling gives rise to strongly out-of-equilibrium microstructures. However, the specific of the heat flow in each process lead to significant differences as far as the grains orientation and the resulting microstructural anisotropy are concerned.

Abstract: The aim of this work is to evaluate the thermal and mechanical loadings applied to the tools during steel thixoforming process in order to determine appropriate tool materials and solutions. This evaluation was realized thanks to experimental trials and to the finite elements simulations. The effect of these loadings on the tool’s failure modes are highlighted and compared to the ones observed in classical forming processes. Beyond this, the failure modes of different tool materials and solutions are presented. The tested materials are hot-working tool steels. Other possibilities and tool coating or surface treatments are discussed as well.

Abstract: Two HSS grades (A and B) belonging to the complex system Fe-Cr-C-Si-X, where X is a strong carbide-forming element such as V, Mb or W, were studied. Samples in the as-received conditions came from an industrial spin casting process, with a varying cooling rate during processing. Chemical compositions of both alloys were closed to each other and were chosen to enhance their hardenability and to avoid less resistant phases such as pearlite and ferrite. Differential Thermal Analysis was performed on both alloys, in order to increase their crystallization behaviour. Light microscopy and SEM associated with EDS analyses were done to characterize the microstructure of both alloys in the as-received conditions and after DTA trials. The matrix of both HSS grades was composed of eutectic carbides, martensite and retained austenite, these phases exhibiting similar chemical compositions in both alloys. Unexpected pearlite was found in the as-cast HSS alloy B without W, this grade containing more Mo, more V and less Cr than the HSS grade A. It appeared from DTA tests that pearlite found in the alloy B arose more from the destabilisation of the Cr-rich retained austenite associated with the plate-like M₂C carbide, than from the matrix itself. In fact, pearlite zones located in the vicinity of M₂C are due to related isothermal solid phase transformations form the previous austenitic eutectic phase that is enriched with Cr and Mo.

Abstract: Two High Alloyed Cast Irons (HACI) were studied, both belonging to the Fe-C-Cr-Si-X system where X represented a strong carbide forming element. One of these alloys was obtained after adding Nb, V and Ti to the chemical composition of the other alloy. Raw materials originated from spun cast rolls for hot strip mill were submitted to different heat treatments routes, in order to study the influence of alloying elements on the microstructure. Both HACI grades contained a mixture of martensite and retained austenite matrix in the as-cast conditions and after quenching. Differential Thermal Analysis was carried out on the heat treated samples in order to determine the phase transformations occurring during re-melting and subsequent solidification sequence. Diffusionless transformations leading to various types of martensite were found in the matrix. Bulky NbC carbides precipitating at the beginning of the solidification process strongly influence the nature and the rate of the subsequent diffusional phase transformations, particularly for HACI grade with Nb, V and Ti additions. Quantitative metallography was done to determine graphite, NbC carbides, cementite and matrix volume fraction in HACI studied grades.

Abstract: Thixoforging is a type of semi-solid metal processing at high solid fraction (0.5

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