Influence of key printing parameters on the development of microstructure and texture in Fe–Cr–Co and its effects on the magnetic properties

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of materials science, enabling the production of complex geometries with tailored properties. This study investigates the influence of laser powder bed fusion process parameters on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe–Cr–Co alloys. Key variables, including laser power, energy input, hatch spacing, layer height, and laser spot size, were systematically varied alongside anisotropic scanning strategies, which included both unidirectional and bidirectional approaches. Our results indicate that increases in laser power and energy density, as well as changes in layer height and hatch spacing, significantly affect grain size, shape, and crystallographic texture. Notably, a strong fiber texture was developed under specific printing conditions, influencing magnetic remanence and coercivity. The study elucidates the relationship between the microstructural characteristics and magnetic performance of Fe–Cr–Co alloys, highlighting the potential for optimizing AM parameters for functional material applications. Graphical abstract