Structure and mechanical properties of polymetallic samples from 321 stainless steel and C11000 copper obtained by the electron-beam 3D-printing

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of copper and steel gradient materials by electron beam freeform fabrication is a novel exploration. C11000 copper was deposited on 321 stainless steel in the experiment. The homogeneity of the microstructure and chemical composition of materials has been characterized at the macro- and micro-scale, using optical microscopy. At the macro level, defects in the type of pores and cracks in the final product were revealed. In order to ensure satisfactory strength characteristics of the product with alternating layers of heterogeneous materials as a whole, it is necessary to optimize the technology of additive manufacturing with the reduction or total elimination of factors influencing the formation of defects. In the present work the structure formation of Cu-Fe polymetallic samples is studied at gradual decrease in supply of stainless steel and increase in supply of copper.