Effects of Build Direction and Post-Heat Treatment on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance of EBAM-Processed AISI 420 Martensitic Stainless Steel
摘要
This research examined the effect of build direction and post-heat treatment on the microstructure and phase composition of martensitic stainless steel samples fabricated by electron beam wire additive manufacturing (EBAM). Methods employed included scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray diffractometry. The study analyzed how the microstructure of vertically and horizontally built samples affected their hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation. Post-heat treatment (water quenching from 1120 °C followed by tempering at 400 °C for 30 min) was shown to increase the size and volume fractions of the austenite and carbides, while decreasing the volume fractions of martensite. This treatment enhanced both the strength and ductility of the heat-treated samples. In addition, post-heat treatment doubled the corrosion current, attributed to carbide precipitation that reduced surface passivation.