Innovation in M2 Steel through Additive Manufacturing and Induction Heat Treatment

3D printing technology is increasingly used in a variety of applications. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology using powder feedstock enables the production of materials in combinations that would be very problematic using conventional technologies. Direct energy deposition (DED) is a technological process where the fed material is melted directly at the desired location using a laser beam. The research described here deals with the induction heat treatment of a functional deposited layer of steel M2 applied on a tool. Induction treatment has the advantage that only the functional tool layer can be heat treated without affecting the base material. It is therefore possible to heat treat a combination of completely different materials with different properties without degrading the base material. Investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of M2 tool steel after induction heat treatment produced by Directed Energy Deposition (DED) highlights its potential for high performance tooling and machining applications.

The main objective of this research is to improve the final properties and tool life of forming tools when the tool is made of less expensive low-alloy steel and its functional layer is made of M2 tool steel using additive manufacturing technology.