Influence of Microstructure and Defects on Mechanical Properties of AISI H13 Manufactured by Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract Electron beam powder bed fusion (E-PBF) is a well-known additive manufacturing process. Components are realized based on layer-by-layer melting of metal powder. Due to the high degree design freedom, came into focus tooling industry, especially for tools with sophisticated internal cooling channels. The present work focuses relationships between processing, microstructure evolution, chemical composition and mechanical properties alloyed tool steel AISI H13 (1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1) processed by E-PBF. specimens free cracks, however, lack defects found upon use non-optimized parameters finally affecting detrimentally. Specimens built suitable show relatively fine grained bainitic/martensitic microstructure, resulting in ultimate strength an even slightly higher failure strain compared conventionally heat treated H13.