This study investigated the microstructure and texture evolution of HX (Hastelloy X), HX-C (CeO2 doped), and HX-W (wrought) alloys fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM). HX and HX-C samples exhibited a finer grain structure (10–25 μm and 5–15 μm, respectively) compared to HX-W (20–50 μm) in the XY plane (normal to the building direction) with dominant \(\:\left(100\right)\) grain orientation and significant elongation in the XZ plane (parallel to the building direction). The presence of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) was higher in HX (60.7%) and HX-C (64.9%) compared to HX-W (1.4%), indicating higher internal energy and stored energy within the grains. The orientation distribution function (ODF) analysis revealed similar texture patterns in HX and HX-C samples for both XY and XZ planes, suggesting minimal influence of cerium oxide on texture development. Pole figure analysis confirmed a strong \(\:<110>\) fiber texture for HX and HX-C, further suggesting minimal impact on texture from cerium addition. Conversely, HX-W displayed a mixed grain orientation with reduced LAGBs and a distinct texture, indicating a more advanced recrystallization state. These findings suggest that cerium oxide addition refines the grain structure and enhances specific grain orientation while minimally affecting the overall texture development during SLM processing.
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