Microstructural and Mechanical Studies of Maraging Steel Fabricated by Laser-Powder Bed Fusion and Conventional Processes: A Comparative Study
摘要
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a method for producing three-dimensional intricate parts for different industrial applications. In this study, maraging steel components have been manufactured by laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) method using metal powder of maraging steel-300, and conventional maraging steel has been used for comparative study of their mechanical properties. The as-built AM and conventionally fabricated samples have been solution heat-treated at 900 °C for 1 h and cooled in air. In solution-treated samples, better mechanical properties were observed in these low-carbon (< 0.02%) Fe–Ni martensitic steel samples due to the precipitation of fine intermetallic structures. The density, microhardness, and microstructural examinations have been evaluated to compare the mechanical properties and validate the feasibility of the AM method for fabricating maraging steel components applicable to various industrial applications. The microhardness of L-PBF-formed samples is higher than conventionally produced samples because of precipitation and the fine grain structure formed due to the high solidification rate. After solution treatment, the microhardness of the L-PBF and conventional maraging steel samples was 51.0 and 48.6 HRC, respectively. The density of maraging steel produced by both processes is almost similar. Compared to conventionally fabricated components, the fine grain structure has been obtained in as-built L-PBF components. After heat treatment, the grain magnitude of L-PBF-produced specimens has been reduced compared to that of as-built specimens. From the result, it can be concluded that the L-PBF process may be applicable to fabricate intricated structures of carbon-free maraging steel for various industrial use.