Work

Effect of energy density on microstructure control in precipitation hardening steel during powder bed fusion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We demonstrate how controlling the heat affected zone during laser powder bed fusion may be used to optimise the phase composition of additively manufactured (AM) components in-situ to reduce post-processing heat treatments. We showcase this approach by promoting in-situ precipitation hardening in martensitic 17-4 PH stainless steel by varying the laser energy density. We link the melting and reheating associated with the layer-wise metal consolidation to the phase evolution and local material hardness, providing guidelines to achieve ‘print and use’ strategies for precipitation hardened alloys. These processing strategies may yield AM parts with lower cost, time, and embodied energy.

Source: Materials Research Letters

DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2026.2613696

Authors: Dylan Cuskelly, George Maddison, Petr Vacek, Simon M. Fairclough, Paul A. Midgley, Matteo Seita

Institutions: University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,459

Funders: Henry Royce Institute, University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council