Near-Net Shape Manufacture of Ultra-High Strength Maraging Steel Using Flow Forming and Inertia Friction Welding: Experimental and Microstructural Characterization

Abstract Flow forming and inertia friction welding (IFW) have been widely used as manufacturing processes that produce high-value engineering components. Combining these two advanced facilitates the fabrication of near-net shape components leading to optimized designs. This study introduces joining flow-formed seamless tubes MLX®19 maraging steel using IFW process fabricate a component in landing gears missile parts. The as-received material was initially provided ≈30% reduction thickness from flow trials then welded at four varying weld energies while maintaining constant forge pressures. mechanical behavior weldments characterized, parameters were determined. concomitant microstructural evolution also examined comprehend underlying deformation mechanisms. strength, axial shortening, width dynamic recrystallization (DRX) displayed an increasing trend with increase energy. weld-zone (WZ) thermomechanical affected zone (TMAZ) showed presence martensite, whereas HAZ intermetallic precipitates reverted austenite confirmed along tempered martensite. Based on evidence, it concluded peak temperature attained WZ above Ac3, TMAZ in-between Ac1 Ac3. crystallographic texture implied subjected pure shear during experienced combined compressive deformation.