| Abstract Scope |
Advancements in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) additive manufacturing (AM) of metals have led to reduced lead times, increased geometric freedom, and enhanced part functionality; however, SLS and EBM are plagued by relatively high capital and operational costs. With costs approximately 60% to 80% less than SLS or EBM, Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) is a new AM process in which a metal powder-binder composite material is printed sequentially in layers, debound, and sintered to form a 96%- to 99%-dense part. This work characterizes the mechanical properties of 17-4 PH stainless steel material within a BMD process. Mechanical characterization includes process-, print-orientation-, and geometry-dependent shrinkage; monotonic, quasi-static tensile data (e.g., modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength, and ductility); hardness; and microstructures. This work is significant in that characterization studies are required to understand process-structure-properties relations for the BMD manufacturing process prior to realizing commercial opportunities. |