Microstructural evolution, nanoprecipitation behavior and mechanical properties of selective laser melted high-performance grade 300 maraging steel

• Published in: Materials & design Vol. 134; pp. 23 - 34
• Main Authors: Tan, Chaolin, Zhou, Kesong, Ma, Wenyou, Zhang, Panpan, Liu, Min, Kuang, Tongchun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2017
• Subjects: Age hardening; Maraging steel; Microstructural evolution; Orowan mechanism; Precipitate; Selective laser melting; Microstructural evolution; Orowan mechanism; Precipitate; Selective laser melting; Maraging steel; Age hardening
• ISSN: 0264-1275; 1873-4197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.08.026

High-performance grade 300 maraging steels were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and different heat treatments were applied for improving their mechanical properties. The microstructural evolutions, nanoprecipitation behaviors and mechanical properties of the as-fabricated and heat-treated SLM parts were carefully characterized and analysed. The evolutions of the massive submicron sized cellular and elongated acicular microstructures are illustrated and theoretically explained. Nanoprecipitates triggered by intrinsic heat treatment and amorphous phases in as-fabricated specimens are observed by TEM. High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) images of the age hardened specimens clearly exhibit massive nanosized needle-shaped nanoprecipitates Ni3X (X=Ti, Al, Mo) and 50–60nm sized spherical core-shell structural nanoparticles embedded in amorphous matrix. XRD analyses reveal austenite reversion and probable phase transformations during heat treatments. The hardness and tensile strength of the as-fabricated and age-treated SLM specimens absolutely meet the standard wrought requirements. Furthermore, the lost ductility after aging can be compensated by preposed solution treatments. Relationships between massive nanoprecipitates and dramatically improved mechanical performances of age hardened specimens are elaborately analysed and perfectly explained by Orowan mechanism. This study demonstrates that high-performance grade 300 maraging steels, which is comparable to the standard wrought levels, can be produced by SLM additive manufacturing. [Display omitted] •Evolutions of the typical SLMed microstructures are illustrated and theoretically explained.•Precipitation behavior and phase transformation of SLMed maraging steel are characterized by TEM and XRD.•Significant improvement of strength after solution and aging treatment was evaluated and explained.•Relationships between massive nanoprecipitates and improved mechanical performances are elucidated.