| Abstract Scope |
Binder jetting (AM) is a promising technology for industrial applications but is often plagued by defects that compromise the quality of printed parts. This study demonstrates the successful processing of AISI M2 tool steel parts with minimal defects, followed by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) to enhance densification. Additionally, various in-process and post-process defect remediation strategies to improve part quality are suggested. The green parts were sintered at temperatures of 1270, 1280, and 1300°C, followed by different cooling methods: furnace cooling (FC), air cooling (AC), and water cooling (WC). After HIP, the sintered density increased from ~89-95% to ~98-99.80%, indicating significant densification. The post-HIP microstructure analysis revealed uniformly distributed carbides, specifically MC and M6C types. FC samples had a hardness increase of ~40%, AC samples decreased by ~15%, and WC samples dropped by ~20%. Microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties of HIP-treated M2 tool steel BJ-parts will be discussed in the presentation. |