Novel laser powder bed fusion Corrax maraging stainless steel lattice with superior specific strength and energy absorption

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a versatile process for producing lattice structures with complex pore features. In this study, a novel LPBF Corrax maraging stainless steel lattice with superior compressive strength and energy absorption was fabricated and investigated. In samples with a cubic lattice structure and 90 vol% porosity, the specific compressive strength and energy absorption of the LPBF Corrax lattices were as high as 53 kN·m/kg and 13.5 kJ/kg, respectively, which were higher than those of LPBF Ti–6Al–4V by 8% and 67%, respectively. Integrated solution-aging treatments further enhanced the specific compressive strength of Corrax lattice to 73 kN·m/kg and maintained the specific energy absorption. Furthermore, the deformation and fracture behaviors of the Corrax lattice were investigated and are discussed. The findings of this study indicate that LPBF Corrax is a potential material for manufacturing cheap, lightweight components with superior mechanical performances.