Investigation of copper/stainless steel multi-metallic materials fabricated by laser metal deposition

The feasibility of fabricating a single component with copper and stainless steel multi-material structure can broaden its functional properties offer significant value in engineering design. In an effort to join 304L (SS304L) using the laser metal deposition technique, pure was deposited on SS304L both directly via interlayers nickel-based alloy Deloro 22 (D22). microstructure, elemental distribution, bonding strength, microhardness profile, thermal conductivity/diffusivity multi-metallic structures were investigated. transition zone Cu-SS direct joint shows numerous globules separated Cu-rich Fe-rich islands. Tensile testing poor strength. By adding D22 interlayers, well bonded defect-free Cu-D22-SS achieved. Evidence strong at Cu-D22 D22-SS obtained by tensile where samples broke either or regions. results hardness 228.7 ± 19.5 HV layers. Ascending layers, gradual drop steady 52.9–56.1 observed. theoretical prediction there is ~100% increase conductivity ~370% diffusivity system when compared SS304L.