Studying the Microstructural Effect of Selective Laser Melting and Electropolishing on the Performance of Maraging Steel

Abstract Selective laser melting is one of the additive manufacturing technologies that have been known for building various and complicated shapes. Despite numerous advantages technologies, they strongly influence microstructure typically show a relatively high surface roughness. In this study, maraging steel was produced by selective (SLM), its microstructure, hardness corrosion behavior before after heat treatment were studied compared to traditionally manufactured ones (wrought, forged samples). addition, effect electropolishing on roughness evaluated. The microstructural study carried out scanning electron microscopy equipped with backscattered diffraction in three different sections: parallel top ( xy ), transverse cross section xz ) longitudinal yz ). same characterization applied heat-treated samples, austenitized quenched as well aged ones. results showed fine grain martensitic structure (in as-printed condition) R about 10 µm. There no sign preferred texture or anisotropy as-print SLM materials. similar all 3 sections , finer nano-hardness conventional wrought conditions similar. Aging resulted maximum minimum potential values. Precipitation has main role both behavior. Electropolishing optimized reduced 65%.