Use of plasma nitriding to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of 18Ni-300 maraging steel manufactured by selective laser melting

Abstract 18Ni-300 maraging steel manufactured by selective laser melting was plasma nitrided to improve its wear and corrosion resistance. The effects of a prior solution treatment, aging the combination both on microstructure properties after nitriding were investigated. results compared with conventionally produced counterparts subjected same heat- thermo-chemical treatments. performed under conditions (temperature 520 °C time 6 h) as in order investigate whether could be carried out simultaneously single step. aim this work provide better understanding morphology chemical composition layer additive-manufactured function heat treatments compare resistance those conventional steel. show that without any leads cracks compound layer, while prior-heat-treated benefits from thermochemical treatment terms Some explanations for origins pores nitride layers are provided.