THE INFLUENCE OF 3D PRINTING PARAMETERS USING THE PBF-LB/M METHOD, VOLUMETRIC AND SURFACE TREATMENT ON THE PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF M300 TOOL STEEL

The paper presents the results of research on the influence of 3D printing parameters using the PBF-LB/M method and volumetric and surface treatment on the properties and microstructure of M300 tool steel. In the first stage, model shapes were made using various 3D printing parameters using the XactMetal XM200C printer, including laser power, distance between scanning lines, layer thickness, speed and type of scanning. Then, the shapes were subjected to volumetric treatment processes, including heat treatment consisting of solution heat treatment and aging, and HIP in a wide range of parameters. The samples were also subjected to surface treatment consisting of laser burnishing and surface remelting. The shapes were subjected to geometry tests using a 3D scanner, porosity using computed tomography, mechanical properties in a tensile test, Vickers hardness, surface roughness and topography using a confocal microscope, wear resistance using a T05 tribotester, SEM microstructure observation and phase analysis. Based on the test results, the optimal parameters of 3D printing, volumetric and surface processing were determined in terms of obtaining minimum porosity, maximum hardness and wear resistance of M300 tool steel.