Parameter Development for Laser Powder Bed Fusion of 4340 Steel at 60-micron Layers

Abstract

Process parameters were developed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center (AC), Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of 4340 steel on an EOS M290 three-dimensional (3D) printer at 60-micron layer thickness to decrease build time (approximately 33 percent) as compared to previously developed 4340 steel parameters at 40-micron layer thickness. Optimal process parameters (hatch distance and laser scan speed) were selected based on the highest specimen density produced from an experiment where these parameters were varied. A verification build was then built with the optimized parameter set. It consisted of X, Y, and Z-oriented tensile coupons in five locations (four corners and the center of the build plate). The tensile specimens were then machined, heat treated, and characterized. Two tensile blocks were removed from the front of the build plate due to spatter particles that settled on the tensile blocks which could have caused the recoater blade to jam. All but one specimen in the front of the build platform met wrought 43-40 steel minimum requirements.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2024
Accession Number
AD1228124

Entities

People

  • Elias Jelis
  • Matthew Feurer

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Metallurgy

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy