Additive manufacturing of a corrosion resistant tool steel with an outlook to further application

Additive manufacturing has now opened up many industrial applications. However, the tooling sector is still very R&D-oriented, as the defect-free processing of these materials is challenging. The reason for this in terms of the alloying system is the element carbon - on the one hand, it is required for martensitic hardening, carbide formation and wear resistance. On the other hand, the rapid heating and cooling rates in the LBPF (laser powder bed fusion) process cause a martensitic transformation and also stresses leading to cracking within the parts.

The aim of this work is therefore twofold: Processing can be ensured defect-free by optimizing the alloying system without considering the equipment technology. This makes it easier for the operator to apply the material because no modification of the machine is necessary. Furthermore, in terms of sustainability, it makes sense to process a powder metallurgical material also with other methods in addition to LPBF to ensure the best possible yield of the powder. Considering the aspect of sustainability, other processes are not limited to additive manufacturing.