Directed Energy Deposition of Low‐Alloyed Steels: An Insight on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties

Low‐alloyed steels are used for a variety of different applications like bearings or gears. Additive manufacturing technologies directed energy deposition (DED‐LB/M) allow fast and close‐to‐contour fabrication sophisticated products without excessive waste material. However, the DED‐LB/M process cannot be considered as state‐of‐the‐art this group materials. This study presents findings on material properties additively manufactured low‐alloyed steel Bainidur AM by means DED‐LB/M. includes studies mechanical (hardness, compression strength) well microstructural (scanning electron microscopy [SEM]). The microstructure in as‐built state appears bainitic–martensitic one with shares retained austenite which is not fully transformed during cooling. As differentiation barely possible from SEM images, plethora investigations further to assess microstructure. As‐built samples possess good combination ductility hardness. Furthermore, specimens characterized tempering stability up 600 °C. homogeneous hardness around 400 HV1 all temperatures. In contrast, conventionally hardened show drop‐off hardness, indicating excellent AM.