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Laser and Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing of Metal Alloys

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Manufacturing Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 487

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Interests: additive manufacturing; advanced materials; electron microscopy; manufacturing processes; material characterization; materials under extreme environments; robotics; structure–property relationships

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Interests: metal matrix composites; additive manufacturing techniques; combinatorial materials science
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Laser and electron beam powder bed fusion processes are prominent additive manufacturing techniques used to create complex metal parts and components from metal alloys. These processes involve melting layers of metal powder using a high-power laser or electron beam, which fuses the particles together to form a solid structure. Laser and electron beam powder bed fusion is particularly valued for its ability to produce intricate geometries that are often impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods, making it a game changer in industries such as the aerospace, automotive, and medical ones.

The choice of metal alloys is critical in laser and electron beam powder bed fusion, as different materials exhibit varying properties, such as strength, ductility, and thermal conductivity. Commonly used alloys include titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel, each offering unique advantages for specific applications. Laser and electron beam powder bed fusion processes also allow for the customization of microstructures and mechanical properties through the careful control of processing parameters, such as laser/electron beam power, scan speed, and layer thickness.

Despite their advantages, challenges remain, including issues related to residual stress, porosity, and surface finish. Ongoing research aims to optimize laser and electron powder bed fusion techniques and broaden the range of usable materials, enhancing the technology's efficiency and applicability. Ultimately, laser and electron beam powder bed fusion represents a significant advancement in manufacturing, allowing for innovative designs and rapid prototyping in the production of metal components.

Dr. Eric J. Faierson
Prof. Dr. Peter C. Collins
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • laser powder bed fusion
  • electron beam powder bed fusion
  • metal alloys
  • additive manufacturing
  • selective laser melting
  • numerical modeling
  • mechanical performance
  • microstructure evolution

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 5312 KiB  
Article
Additively Manufactured Maraging Steel: Influence of Heat Treatment on Corrosion and Mechanical Properties
by Daniel Pustički, Željko Alar and Zvonimir Bandov
Materials 2025, 18(9), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18091999 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
The advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), has enabled the production of complex components with enhanced mechanical properties and shorter lead times compared to conventional manufacturing processes. This study focuses on the characterization of maraging steel (EOS [...] Read more.
The advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), has enabled the production of complex components with enhanced mechanical properties and shorter lead times compared to conventional manufacturing processes. This study focuses on the characterization of maraging steel (EOS MS1) fabricated by LPBF technology using an EOS M 290 system. Three material groups were investigated: a conventionally manufactured tool steel (95MnWCr5) serving as a reference, LPBF-produced maraging steel in the as-built condition, and LPBF-produced maraging steel subjected to post-processing heat treatment. The samples were thoroughly examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), electrochemical corrosion analyses in a 3.5% NaCl solution, and Vickers microhardness measurements. Electrochemical tests revealed that heat-treated LPBF maraging steel samples exhibited slightly increased corrosion current densities relative to their as-built counterparts, attributed to the formation of Ti-rich and Ni-rich precipitates during aging, creating localized microgalvanic cells. Despite the increased corrosion susceptibility, hardness measurements clearly demonstrated enhanced hardness and mechanical properties in heat-treated samples compared to the as-built state and conventional tool steel reference. The findings underscore the importance of optimized LPBF parameters and controlled post-processing heat treatments in balancing mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. Consequently, LPBF-produced maraging steels hold considerable promise for tooling and industrial applications where high strength, dimensional stability, and acceptable corrosion behavior are required. Full article
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