Abstract
Additive manufacturing is increasingly used in a variety of applications. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology using powder feedstock enables the production of materials in combinations that would be very problematic using conventional technologies. DED is a technological process where the fed material is melted directly at the desired location using a laser beam. The research described here deals with the additive manufacturing and subsequent induction heat treatment of a functional deposited layer of M2 high-speed steel. Induction treatment has the advantage that only the functional layer of the component can be heat treated without affecting the base material. It is therefore possible to heat treat a combination of completely different materials with different properties without degrading the base material. Hardness values reached 950 HV (68 HRC) both after additive manufacturing and after additive manufacturing and induction treatment. Induction heat treatment of the deposited M2 layer ensured removal of traces of the original melt pools produced by the additive manufacturing. Investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of M2 tool steel after induction heat treatment produced by DED highlights its potential for high performance tooling and machining applications.
The main objective of this research is to improve the final properties and tool life of forming tools when the tool is made of less expensive low-alloy steel and its functional layer is made of M2 high speed steel using additive manufacturing technology.
