Anisotropy of additively manufactured 18Ni-300 maraging steel: Threads and surface characteristics

Abstract

The purpose was to evaluate part properties of the additively manufactured 18-Ni-300-maraging steel in a unified set-up when the printing orientation and the heat treatment were independently changed. Though hardness, shrinkage, and drilling thrust force showed isotropic behavior to a certain extent, anisotropy was observed in flatness, surface roughness, dross, and thread profiles. Solution-treatment increases surface roughness and decreases flatness, surface hardness, drilling thrust force, and thread quality to some extent. Aging treatment significantly increases surface hardness and yet, still allows for cutting of good quality threads. The study aids designers establish and corroborate design for additive manufacturing.