Conventionally and SLM-manufactured 18Ni300 steel: mechanical and tribological behaviour in dry sliding against PP40 composite

The great mechanical performance of 18Ni300 maraging steel, achieved during ageing treatment by the precipitation fine intermetallic precipitates within a martensitic matrix, makes this material good choice for demanding applications such as injection moulds automotive industry. Its ease manufacture selective laser melting (SLM) allows parts with higher degree complexity and possibility customised design. Nevertheless, comprehensive analysis manufactured is important to understand differences between components SLM those produced conventional methods. In work, steel was compared that commercial cast 18Ni300, well their tribological dry sliding against polypropylene matrix composite reinforced 40 wt% E-glass fibres (PP40), commonly used in automobile known its abrasiveness. results show aged at 510 ºC six hours has hardness better properties than steel. Dry wear tests steels PP40 showed 33% lower specific rate These can be explained refined microstructure resulting from rapid cooling process. Different mechanisms were found: abrasion predominant mechanism process, while adhesion observed