To date, the commercial availability of steels for PBF-LB remains limited. To improve upon this, research at CAM² has focused on the development of low-alloy steels for PBF-LB to help expand the application of the technology to new markets such as the automotive industry.
This research has found that by tailoring the processing conditions low-alloy steels can be produced high-density (>99.8%) and defect-free by PBF-LB. Additionally, mechanical testing of these alloys found that PBF-LB low-alloy steels can achieve a high strength, hardness, toughness, and elongation even in the as-produced state.
To demonstrate this capacity, an injector yoke was produced with 4140 steel using CAM² developed parameters. This injector yoke holds in place the diesel injector in heavy duty diesel engines. It is often pre-loaded with a high load to avoid leakage and is subject to a high static load from clamping screws and the injector.
Researchers: William Hearn, Chalmers
Industry partners: Volvo AB & Sandvik
Material: 4140 Steel (Sandvik)
Additive process used: Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Part size: 5,4 x 2,6 x 2,3 (cm)