In this research work, Inconel 718 specimens are fabricated by Direct Metal Laser Sintering process in the closed chamber which is filled with argon gas environment from a pre-alloyed powder. The process contains the high intensity of the laser source to melt the powder material, and the segment is placed on the top of the previous layer. Plates were vertically fabricated systematically (i.e., z-axis) and columnar grains are exhibited perpendicular to the build direction (i.e., x-axis). Test specimens are stress-relieved at 980°C for 2 hours and the recrystallized zone are found to be spheroid structure precipitates. The Ni-Cr matrix in the recrystallized interface and grain boundaries is observed in the samples, the micro hardness of the as-fabricated material is found as 340-350 VHN. Also, correspondingly mechanical properties are comparable with the wrought inco-718 alloy material. Further, the as build condition specimens are used for making butt joint configuration using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process and Mechanical and microstructural properties are studied. The studies on welding of additive manufactured component will ensure the weldability of the AM material for the research community and industry.

ABSTRACT We attempted to study the compatibility among plant beneficial bacteria in the culture level by growing them near in the nutrient agar plates. Among all the bacteria tested, Rhizobium was found to inhibit the growth of other bacteria. From the compatible group of PGPR, we have selected one biofertilizer (Azospirillum brasilense strain TNAU) and one biocontrol agent (Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PF1) for further studies in the pot culture. We have also developed a bioformulation which is talc powder based, for individual bacteria and mixed culture. This formulation was used as seed treatment, soil application, seedling root dip and foliar spray in groundnut crop in vitro germination conditions. A. brasilense was found to enhance the tap root growth and P. fluorescens, the lateral root growth. The other growth parameters like shoot growth, number of leaves were enhanced by the combination of both of the bacteria than their individual formulations. Among the method of application tested in our study, soil application was found to be the best in yielding better results of plant growth promotion.