Effect of scanning strategy on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of 15-5PH stainless steel processed by selective laser melting

Abstract

Selective laser melting (SLM) was employed to produce 15-5 precipitation hardening (PH) martensite stainless steel. The effects of the scanning strategy on the microstructure, texture, and flowing mechanical behavior of the material were evaluated. Owing to their thermal history, samples processed by SLM with different scanning strategies reveal different austenite/martensite proportions. A weak fiber crystal texture along the build direction is observed, and the texture level is closely related to the scanning strategies. By using the island scanning strategy, high-densification samples with a fine grain structure can be obtained, improving strength and elongation. High-performance 15-5 PH can be achieved even without the application of a precipitation hardening treatment. The results contribute to the tailoring of the densification, microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of 15-5PH steel produced by additive manufacturing.