Track: Manufacturing

Abstract

For the creation of intricate metal parts, additive manufacturing, notably laser powder fusion bed (LPFB) technology processed 17%Cr-4%Ni Precipitation Hardened (P.H) steel. The samples were printed in three directions (horizontal (0o), vertical (90o) and inclined (45o) in the build platform using DMLS system (EOS M 290) machine. 17%Cr-4%NiP.H steel samples were given heat treatment for 900°C @ 1 Hour, 925°C @ 4 Hours, 1025°C @ 1 Hour, has attracted a lot of interest recently. Many industries employ stainless steel because of its high mechanical and corrosion resistant qualities. However, there is currently a lack of knowledge on the wear behaviour of stainless steel produced employing LPFB, especially following heat-treatment procedures. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how heat treatment affects the LPFB-printed stainless steel's wear characteristics. A commercial LPFB equipment was used to produce the stainless steel specimens, which were then put through several heat-treatment processes. The ideal qualities of the printed stainless steel were ensured by carefully choosing the heat-treatment parameters, including temperature and time. Using a pin-on-disk tribometer, the wear behaviour of the heat-treated stainless steel specimens was assessed. Under varied orientation of specimens(pin) situations, the tribological parameters, including coefficient of friction and wear rate, were measured. The wear processes and surface texture of the worn surfaces were further studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). According to preliminary findings, heat treatment has a substantial impact on the wear behaviour of stainless steel printed using LPFB. It was found that 1025°C @ 1 Hour settings enhanced the printed stainless steel's wear resistance, resulting in a lower friction coefficient and wear rate. According to SEM examination, heat-treated specimens had a more refined microstructure and better surface integrity, which helped to improve wear performance.

This study sheds important light on how heat treatment affects the LPFB-printed stainless steel's wear characteristics. The findings help to improve the post-processing methods used in the additive manufacture of stainless steel components in order to increase their resistance to wear and lengthen their useful lives in demanding applications. The sectors involved in additive manufacturing and other fields can benefit from the information gleaned from this study.