Selective Laser Melting Process Parameter Optimization on Density and Corrosion Resistance of 17-4PH Stainless Steel

Abstract

The 17-4 PH Stainless Steel material is known for its higher strength and, therefore, extensively used to build structures for aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy applications. The parts must operate satisfactorily in different environmental conditions to widen the diverse application. The selective laser melting (SLM) technique build parts cost-effectively, ensuring near-net shape manufacturability. Laser power, scan speed, and hatch distance operating at different conditions were used to develop parts and optimize for higher density in printed parts. Laser power, scan speed, and hatch distance resulted in the percent contribution towards density equal to 73.74%, 24.48%, and 1.78%. The optimized conditions resulted in higher density and relative density equal to 7.76 g/cm3 and 99.48%. Printed parts' corrosion rate and wear loss showed more stability in NaCl corrosive medium even at 75 oC than 1M of HCL corrosive medium. Less pitting corrosion was observed on the samples treated in NaCl solution at 25 oC and 75 oC at 72 Hrs than in HCL solution. Therefore, 17-4 PH SS parts are best suited even in marine applications.