Optimization of Additive Manufacturing of Precipitation Hardening Type STS630 by DED (Direct Energy Deposition) Process

Abstract

The quality and properties of products manufactured using metal three dimensional (3D) printing technology differs based on the process parameters. In addition, the characteristics and uses vary depending on the material used. In this study, the Direct Energy Deposition(DED) technology using a precipitation hardening type STS630 was investigated. The experimental process parameters, namely, the beam size, powder feeding rate, laser header moving speed, laser output power were set, and the deposition height and dilution were analyzed through deposition cross-section analysis after experiments according to each Additive Manufacturing(AM) process variable. The results showed that the deposition height decreased as the laser header moved faster. It was further observed that the dilution ratio and the width of the heat affected zone depended on the laser power and powder feed rate. The optimal process parameters were identified as a beam size of 1 mm, powder feeding rate of 6 g/min, laser header moving speed of 500 mm/min, and a laser output power of 500 W.