Parametric investigation and characterization of 17-4 PH stainless steel parts fabricated by selective laser melting

Abstract

The present study performed parametric investigation and characterizations on 17-4 PH stainless steel built by selective laser melting. Cubical samples were deposited by considering process parameters (laser power and scan speed) and scan strategy (design parameter) to investigate relative density and microhardness. Relative density and micro hardness were the maximum for samples with medium energy density and when hexagonal inside-out scan strategy was used. They were the minimum for the sample with low energy density and when strip alternate scan strategy was used. Austenite, ferrite, and small molten pools were observed on the side surface of samples from optical and scanning electron microstructure analysis. From energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, a variation of chemical composition was observed among the samples, resulting in variation in relative density and microhardness. Austenite phase and ferrite peak at the highest intensity were also observed by X-ray diffraction for medium energy density sample. Electron backscattered diffraction results showed an increase in austenite phase with increased energy density, resulting in a microhardness change. Residual stresses induced were more for low energy density samples compared to medium energy density samples. A higher corrosion resistance (<0.5 mm/a) and an absence of corrosion cracks were present for all samples with different energy densities.

Keywords

selective laser melting / 17-4 PH stainless steel / scan strategy / energy density / scan speed / residual stress

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