Effects of Fused Deposition Modeling Process Parameters on Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Abstract Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely adopted additive manufacturing technology due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to produce complex geometries without molds or material waste. This study explores the FDM process of 17-4 PH stainless steel with a focus on optimizing processing parameters to enhance the mechanical properties of the fabricated parts. Specifically, this study aims to improve the printability and processability of 17-4 PH stainless steel by investigating the effects of nozzle diameter, layer thickness, and infill density on the structure and mechanical performance of specimens produced through material extrusion. The experimental methodology includes triplicated tests to ensure reproducibility and consistency. Green parts, produced from metal-polymer composite filaments, undergo thermal debinding and sintering processes consecutively to transform them into fully metallic components. The thermal debinding process removes the polymer binder, while the post-debinding sintering is performed under vacuum conditions to improve the quality and mechanical properties of the metal parts. This comprehensive analysis evaluates how printing parameters affect the properties of the 17-4 PH stainless steel specimens. By leveraging the combination of FDM and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) techniques, the study offers insights into improving the mechanical performance of the produced metal components. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on additive manufacturing technologies, especially for the fabrication of high-performance metal parts suitable for aerospace and industrial applications.