In situ modification of case-hardening steel 16MnCr5 by C and WC addition by means of powder bed fusion with laser beam of metals (PBF-LB/M)

Abstract Typical high-strength products are made from carbon-rich steels possessing relatively high carbon content, thus reducing weldability. In this work, preliminary studies on designing and tailoring a low-alloyed steel for the laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) process by adding black (C) nanoparticles tungsten carbide (WC) particles enhancing material properties provided. First, base 16MnCr5 is modified with different concentrations of C WC. It was found that an increased WC content resulted in elevated hardness as-built state. However, comes at cost poorer processability as pore formation C-modified crack tendency WC-modified 16MnCr5. When applying post-process quenching optional tempering heat treatment, range 615 HV can be achieved C-enriched tempered state, which would suitable bearing gearing applications. The addition favored improved wear resistance twice one similar hardness, showing enormous potential rate. Complementary SEM EDX analyses show both dilution bonding zone affected processing conditions concentration. Furthermore, it nearly defect-free fabrication WC-enriched possible up to 2.5 wt.-% WC, proving occurring defects highly sensitive