Direct laser fabrication of three dimensional components using SC420 stainless steel

Direct Laser Fabrication (DLF) has been used in the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) near net-shape metallic parts using stainless steel SC420 powder. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the as-deposited SC420 and of hot isostatically pressed DLF builds were investigated as a function of deposition direction and sample size using tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The influence of the build geometry and orientation on the microstructure and the mechanical properties was also assessed. From this work, it was evident that the DLF process can produce three dimensional parts with good mechanical properties (yield strength > 1000 MPa, tensile strength > 1400 MPa, elongation > 5%), which approach the properties of wrought products.