Effects of Solid-Solution Carbon and Eutectic Carbides in AISI 316L Steel-Based Tungsten Carbide Composites on Plasma Carburizing and Nitriding

AISI 316L stainless-steel-based tungsten carbide composite layers fabricated via laser metal deposition are used for additive manufacturing. Heat treatment practices such as low-temperature plasma carburizing and nitriding improve the hardness corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels formation expanded austenite, known S phase. In present study, to enhance resistances stainless-steel parts in have been investigated, including single 4 h continuous 3.5 following 0.5 at 400 450 °C. The as-deposited contain solid-solution carbon eutectic carbides owing thermal decomposition during deposition. inhibit diffusion, whereas original contributes phase, resulting a thick phase layer. Both processes effective improving Vickers surface despite containing carbides.