Microstructure–Hardness–Corrosion Performance of 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels Processed by Selective Laser Melting in Comparison with Commercial Alloy

Abstract The 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel (PH SS) manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has wide application perspectives, but they are limited due to defects and anisotropy. selection of the appropriate process variables plays a fundamental part in microstructure determination final mechanical corrosion properties. main purpose this study is analyze behavior, hardness PH SS SLM comparison commercial counterparts. anisotropic behavior was investigated analyzing microstructure–hardness interrelationship, both surface construction platform growth direction element. 17–4PH its natural state relation that heat treated 0.1 M NaCl + 0.5 H 2 SO 4 solution, using three electrochemical techniques. results confirmed resistance considerably better than forging, even after 60 days immersion test solution. This attributed absence important manufacturing defects, fine with an amount austenite produced SLM, small non-metallic inclusions precipitated as result fast cooling high speed solidification associated process. Graphical abstract