Influence of aging treatments on 17–4 PH stainless steel parts realized using material extrusion additive manufacturing technologies

Abstract The most relevant criticalities of parts produced by material extrusion additive manufacturing technologies are lower mechanical properties than standard performances, the presence pores caused method, and issues related to interface between layers rods. In this context, heat treatments can be considered an effective solution for tailoring behavior different application fields, especially when using precipitation hardening stainless steels. work, aging were conducted on realized three extrusion-based processes: Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing, bound metal deposition, fused filament fabrication. Two conditions direct (H900 H1150) with aim comparing response in opposite peak-aged overaged. hardness tests revealed that H900 significantly influenced (max increase 52%), porosity (− 34.3% respect as-sintered condition). On other hand, H1150 decreased 18% max) 32.2% max). Substantial differences among microstructures due grain size δ-ferrite illustrated. A statistical test was included better highlight influence treatment investigated properties.