A method based on semi-solid forming for eliminating Laves eutectic phase of INCONEL 718 alloy

An energy efficient method called deformation and holding process (DHP) in two phase region, which applied for eliminating the harmful Laves eutectic (LE) phase of INCONEL 718 (IN718) was proposed based on semi-solid forming technology. To verify its feasibility, the effects of solid-liquid fraction and isothermal holding on formation of LE and the microstructure of the deformed alloys were investigated experimentally. LE can be eliminated and the microstructure is refined when deformation and holding were carried out at the end of solidification. The fraction of the LE decreases from about 10.8% in the as-cast specimens to 2.53% in the deformed specimens (0.1/s 50% compression at 1700 °C following 2 min isothermal holding process).