Characterization of a novel maraging steel for laser-based powder bed fusion: optimization of process parameters and post heat treatments

A novel maraging steel with vanadium supplement called Specialis® has been developed for additive manufacturing by powder bed fusion using a laser beam. This study characterized this material after processing and post-processing. An intensive process optimization was carried out means of single track melt pool analysis to investigate optimal parameter sets dense parts. Furthermore, the development post heat treatment strategies their influence on mechanical microstructural characteristics evaluated. Two main concepts direct aging (AT) solution followed (ST+AT) were tested dilatometry, analyse behaviour different initial microstructures: as-built recrystallized. Both treatments resulted in considerable improvement hardness only 2 h aging, increasing approximately 700 HV 760 respectively, which exceeded peak commonly known 18Ni300 (660 6 h). These results confirmed tensile tests, where strength more than 2300 MPa achieved. Alongside precipitation hardening steels, increased result grain refinement due addition vanadium.