Mitigating Creep Anisotropy and Enhancing Performance in Additively Manufactured Ni‐Based Superalloys: A Review

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a highly versatile technique for producing near‐net‐shape components with minimal material waste and significantly reduced processing time. The AM processing of superalloys introduces complex thermal histories that result in heterogeneous microstructures, leading to pronounced anisotropy in mechanical performance, particularly under creep conditions. The key microstructural features that control anisotropy are columnar grain morphology, crystallographic texture, transverse grain boundaries, elemental segregation and localized precipitation that govern anisotropic creep resistance. Strategies to mitigate anisotropy and enhance creep resistance have been proposed, including process parameter optimization, thermomechanical treatments, powder chemistry control, oxide dispersion strengthening, and reactive additive manufacturing. With targeted processing and posttreatment strategies, it is possible to engineer AM superalloys with creep performance comparable to or exceeding that of wrought and cast counterparts. This article provides an effective set of strategies for developing creep‐resistant AM superalloys optimized for high‐temperature applications.