Effect of process parameters and build orientations on the mechanical properties of maraging steel (18Ni-300) parts printed by selective laser melting

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing (AM) based on powder bed has been used to fabricate maraging steel (18Ni300) samples. Maraging steel is an engineering alloy which has been widely employed in metal additive manufacturing. Mechanical properties and porosity are highly dependent on the processing parameters. The experimental effects of process parameters (laser power, scan speed, hatch distance, build orientation direction vertical 0° and horizontal 90°) on mechanical properties and porosity of maraging steel are investigated. It is observed that the properties for Young’s modulus, yield strength and tensile strain at break of maraging steel are dependent on build orientation, whereas ultimate tensile strength was not significantly affected. It is also observed that the porosity is dependent on both build directions and hatch distance. Further investigation shows that even with the same laser energy density (LED), samples might differ in mechanical properties and porosity.