| Abstract Scope |
Forging tools are loaded by temperature and mechanical press on their working surfaces, therefore these surfaces need to have higher resistance to external influences. A simple material layer made by Additive Manufacturing using Directed Energy Deposition (DED) can be used for increasing the service life of tools and dies. This paper focuses on protected layers made of nickel alloy Nimonic 80A, which appears suitable for these applications thanks to its properties. The price of Nimonic 80A is higher than tool steels, so it is advisable to apply this material in a small volume as a protected layer. The powder characterization, depositing parameters definition, mechanical properties measurement, hardness measurements, and microstructure evaluation was investigated. The forging processes were simulated using FE analysis in order to optimize the depth of the protected layer. The in-service fatigue tests were done in the production line in the forge. |