QuesTek Innovations LLC, a developer of new metal alloys and powders, has unveiled a stainless steel composition for powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) for use in the as-printed condition or with a single low-temperature heat treatment. The project has been funded by the U.S. Navy Small Business Innovation Research program. This development allows for production of complex, high-strength stainless steel parts via AM, comparable to wrought 17-4 PH, but without the need for cryogenic processing or high-temperature heat treatment.
Commonly used 17-4 steel in AM often requires higher-cost argon-atomized powder to avoid retained austenite issues and it yields poor properties; however, even properties of argon-atomized 17-4 properties fluctuate widely and are sensitive to the feedstock composition.
Two feedstock options are available: QT 17-4 for use in the direct aged condition and QT 17-4+ for use in the as-printed condition. The corrosion resistance and fatigue performance of both designed AM alloys is equivalent or improved over AM material printed using commercially available 17-4 powders.
Although QuesTeks initial effort has focused on powder-based AM, it plans to demonstrate in one or more wire-based AM processes to enable larger component production at lower cost.
QuesTeks new 17-4 powders can be used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, chemical processing and energy. QuesTeks powder was developed using its proven integrated computational materials engineering technologies and Materials by Design approach.
Image credit: QuesTek Innovations LLC