Optimized High Performance Stainless Steel Powder for Selective Laser Melting Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Stainless steel is a vital component of many air, land and sea systems that support the Navy warfighter. In particular, 17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel, (17-4 PH SS) with its extrodinary combination of strength, ductility, high temperature performance and corrosion resistance plays an important role in supporting the warfighter. When processed conventionally, 17-4 PH SS typical exhibits a martensitic microstructure that provides the aforementioned combination of high strength and ductility. However, “as fabricated” additively manufactured 17-4 PH SS is typically comprised of a meta-stable austenitic microstructure that results in significantly reduced mechanical properties. This program with develop a carbon nanotube metal matrix composite that will improve the mechanical properties of additively manufactured 17-4 PH SS.